[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 91 (Friday, July 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S6839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JUDGE HATFIELD

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Judge Paul Hatfield. Last week, Montana lost not only a great man, but 
a dedicated and passionate public servant who spent most of his life 
committed to working for the people of our state and our nation.
  A native Montanan, Paul Hatfield was born and raised in Great Falls, 
where he graduated from the local high school in 1947 and pursued pre-
law studies at the College of Great Falls. His education was 
interrupted by two years of service in the U.S. Army, including 
overseas duty with the Signal Corps during the Korean conflict.
  In 1953, Paul returned home and entered the University of Montana Law 
school, After several years in private practice, he was appointed Chief 
Deputy Attorney for Cascade County, serving until his election as 8th 
Judicial District judge in 1960. He held this post with honor and 
distinction for the next sixteen years. Heeding the call for public 
service, he was elected Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, 
moving to Helena to assume his new duties in January 1977.
  When Senator Lee Metcalf passed away on January 12, 1978, Judge 
Hatfield was the Governor's choice to complete the remaining year of 
that term. During his tenure in the Senate, Hatfield served on the 
Armed Services and Judiciary Committees. In 1978, Judge Hatfield and I 
both ran for the Democratic nomination for the opportunity to represent 
Montana in the United States Senate. Paul campaigned as a man of 
integrity. He was always gracious and principled. Following the 
election, we remained friends and I have nothing but the utmost respect 
and admiration for him.
  While already having a distinguished career, Judge Hatfield was not 
yet done with public service. In 1979, he was appointed to serve on the 
Federal District bench by President Carter. Although Hatfield took 
senior status in 1995, he continued to serve actively in the courtroom 
until the time of his death.
  Mr. President, as I have said, Paul Hatfield was an incredibly 
gracious man. His dedication was apparent through his long career as a 
public servant and his commitment to his faith. He was full of charisma 
as everyone who came into contact with him would attest to. Paul 
Hatfield was a treasure to our state and to this nation and he will be 
greatly missed.

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