[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 32 (Monday, March 12, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S2160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO JOAN FINNEY

 Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the 
first woman ever elected governor of the great State of Kansas, and my 
good friend, Joan Finney.
  Unfortunately, Governor Finney is currently in a serious battle with 
liver cancer.
  Governor Finney served 16 years as State treasurer before becoming 
the first woman elected to the State's highest office, where she served 
as governor from 1991 through 1994. She did not seek a second term.
  A resolution adopted by the State Democratic party describes her as 
someone who ``gave tirelessly and selflessly to the people of Kansas, 
dedicating her energy, optimism, openness and faith to serving the 
people of Kansas.''
  I had the honor and privilege to serve with Governor Finney when I 
was Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Kansas.
  It was a true honor to serve with someone who believed so much in 
public service. Particularly in a country that is marked by a growing 
skepticism about public service in general, and some of our public 
servants in particular, Governor Finney was a breath of fresh air in 
our capitol.
  She embodied bipartisanship in so many ways; often working in a 
bipartisan way to advance the causes for which she so deeply believed. 
Her service to the State of Kansas will not soon be forgotten.
  The Democrats at their annual meeting in Topeka this year adopted a 
resolution describing Governor Finney as ``truly one of Kansas' most 
adored native daughters'', and she is.
  I extend my best wishes to Governor Finney as she faces this 
difficult period in her life. She and her husband, Spencer, need our 
prayers, they already have mine.

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