[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1916-E1917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MORRIS COTTINGHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Morris 
W. Cottingham for his decades-long commitment to democracy and good 
citizenship. I want to thank Mr. Cottingham, known affectionately to 
his many friends as ``Morrie'', for his many years of service to the 
Democratic Party and the contributions he has made to so many 
Coloradans. He reminds us of the importance of citizen participation in 
the democratic process and of how one person can make a big difference 
in their local community, their state, and their nation.
  Morrie's 70-some years have been involved in politics from the 
beginning. Although raised in a Republican household, he realized early 
on that his politics were quite different than those of his parents. In 
the 1930's. when Franklin Roosevelt rode a train through his parent's 
farm, Morrie remembers being impressed and inspired by Roosevelt's 
Democratic message. He will be the first to tell you that one of his 
most significant and motivating pieces of memorabilia is a Chicago 
Tribune with a headline that reads, ``Dewey defeats Truman.'' In every 
election since then, Morrie has poured blood, sweat, and tears into 
helping Democratic candidates win office.
  He is a veritable institution in Boulder County politics, having 
served in nearly every position from Precinct Committee Person to the 
Second Congressional District Presidential Elector in 1996 and 2000. 
For the Party, Morrie has done everything from fundraising at bingo 
games to playing for the Mighty Dems softball team. He has often said 
of himself that one would be hard-pressed to find someone to the left 
of him on political issues. Those who know Boulder County, know that 
that is quite a statement.
  Morrie's presence as a volunteer during campaigns could turn 
potentially stressful and chaotic events into smoothly functioning and 
enjoyable experiences. During a 1996 campaign, when over a hundred 
people needed supplies of yard signs for distribution, Morrie 
personally delivered thousands of signs to them within two days. He 
helped set the standard of excellence and volunteerism in the Boulder 
County Democratic Party, and his dedication is unequaled.

[[Page E1917]]

  Many elected officials in my district owe a huge debt to Morrie for 
his hard work in helping them get into office. No one is more grateful 
than myself, and I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring 
someone who has truly participated in the democratic process. Thank 
you, Mr. Cottingham. I wish you continued health and happiness.

                          ____________________