[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JO-ANNE LEE COE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great 
American who dedicated her life to supporting this country's democratic 
process. Jo-Anne Lee Coe recently passed away, but she has left behind 
a legacy of service and loyalty. It is an honor for me to stand and pay 
my respects to her and her family before this body of Congress and this 
nation.
  Jo-Anne was born in 1933 to a Navy family dedicated to serving their 
nation. Her father, Admiral Roy Lee Johnson, commanded the U.S.S 
Forrestal and served as the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific 
Fleet during Vietnam. Her mother, Margaret Louise Gross, was a sixth 
generation Washingtonian and installed in Jo-Anne deep patriotic roots. 
Jo-Anne built on the heritage of her family as she served in an 
assortment of federal capacities. Turning down a career as a 
stockbroker, Jo-Anne worked first for Congressman Harold D. Cooley, 
then as a secretary in the Navy and Air Force, and finally teamed up 
with Congressman Bob Dole as he ran for the United States Senate. She 
worked diligently through the ranks, moving quickly from office 
caseworker to office manager.
  After serving briefly in the Ford Administration, Jo-Anne returned to 
the Dole team as Office Manager for his Vice Presidential Campaign, and 
continued on as the Senator's office manager and political liaison. 
Then, in 1985, Senator Dole nominated Jo-Anne to become the first woman 
ever to serve as Secretary of the Senate. For two years, Ms. Coe made 
history as she was responsible for supervising the Senate's 
interparlimentary relations, archives, and administration, as well as 
presiding over the body during a President Pro Tempore election.
  She continued to work with Senator Dole after her time as the 
Secretary of the Senate and eventually was tapped to lead the 
leadership PAC, Campaign America, which she helped found. Jo-Anne led 
Campaign America as it became a top independent PAC contributor to 
congressional and gubernatorial candidates. Jo-Anne also served as the 
Finance Director for Senator Dole's 1995 Presidential Exploratory 
Committee, and then as the Deputy Finance Chairman of the Republican 
National Committee, two positions in which her skills and commitment 
were clearly evident.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to the memory of this 
outstanding woman. Jo-Anne Lee Coe spent her life supporting, serving, 
and participating in the democratic process. Her efforts and loyalty 
over these many years made American history and Jo-Anne's life 
illustrates the positive impact a dedicated citizen can have on the 
destiny of her country. My sincere condolences go out to her daughter, 
Kathryn Lee Coe Combs. Jo-Anne Lee Coe has given much to this country 
and she will be sorely missed.

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