[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             HONORING MRS. BARBARA L. BAILEY OF CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 13, 2001

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay 
tribute to Barbara Bailey of Connecticut, who died yesterday at the age 
of 93. Mrs. Bailey was the wife of the late John M. Bailey, who was the 
legendary Democratic Party chairman of Connecticut, and was also the 
chairman of the national Democratic Party in the 1960s. Mrs. Bailey's 
passing marks the end of an era in Democratic politics in the State of 
Connecticut.
  Mrs. Bailey will long be remembered as the matriarch of the 
Democratic Party during its golden years, not only for her public 
service, but also for providing the state with two outstanding public 
servants--Chief State's Attorney John M. Bailey, Jr. and my 
distinguished predecessor, former U.S. Representative Barbara B. 
Kennelly.
  All her life, Mrs. Bailey was intensely devoted to her family, to 
Connecticut, and to the Democratic Party. She and her husband led the 
state, and the national party, with class and distinction. In all her 
years her interest and love of people willing to serve in public office 
never wavered.
  Throughout her life, Mrs. Bailey never held public office, yet she 
was indeed a public servant. She served the public through her 
immeasurable commitment to her family and the causes she truly believed 
in--including the rights of women and the struggle of the 
disadvantaged. She served on the board of Trustees for the University 
of Connecticut for 10 years and received numerous honors and accolades 
for her civic work. Over the years, the Bailey's hosted presidential 
candidates, ambassadors, and dignitaries from all over the world. Mrs. 
Bailey's trademark was her grace, her dignity, and the way she made 
everyone around her feel welcome and at home.
  She was part of an age in Democratic politics that saw the first 
Catholic elected President of the United States. She was the co-
recipient, along with U.S. Senator Abraham Ribicoff, of the ``Keepers 
of the Flame'' award in 1988, which honored those who kept alive the 
memory and legacy of President John Kennedy.
  Her love for the people of Connecticut and politics was superceded 
only by the devotion she had to her family. The legacy Mrs. Bailey 
leaves is everlasting and is carried on through her children and 
grandchildren who continue to serve the state with distinction.
  Mrs. Bailey was an exceptional person whose humanity, class and grace 
touched everyone she came in contact with. The nation, the State of 
Connecticut, and most of all her family, will truly miss her.

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