[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO VICTOR BAIRD

  Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Victor 
Baird, who is retiring from his position as acting staff director and 
chief counsel to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics after more 
than 15 years of service.
  For the last 2 years, I have had the privilege to serve on the U.S. 
Senate Select Committee on Ethics, an assignment that has provided me 
valuable insights into the workings and the ethical guidelines of this 
body. When I joined the committee, I was a relatively junior member, 
having served only 2 years in the Senate. I consider myself extremely 
fortunate that during this time, I have been able to draw on the wisdom 
and expertise of Victor Baird.
  Following a distinguished legal career in Georgia, Victor came to 
Washington in 1987 to serve as counsel to the Ethics Committee. Over 
the ensuing 15 years, Victor has brought to the committee a sense of 
nonpartisan balance, careful legal judgment, historical perspective, 
and good humor--a collection of qualities that have served the 
committee well during some challenging times. His advice to committee 
members and his leadership of the committee staff have been invaluable 
during the last 15 years, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his 
service.
  I should note that, although the committee is losing a valuable asset 
in Victor Baird, we are fortunate in the choice of his successor--Rob 
Walker. Mr. Walker has served the past 4 years as chief counsel and 
staff director of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on 
Standards of Official Conduct. But prior to that, he served as counsel 
to the Senate Ethics Committee, where he worked closely with Victor 
Baird. The Senate Ethics Committee is fortunate to have Rob back. I 
look forward to working with him, as I am sure that he will continue 
the tradition of fairness and excellence that his predecessor has 
established.
  So as we say goodbye to Victor Baird, let's also thank him for his 
steady and dependable service in the committee for these last 15 years, 
and let's wish him well in his ventures in the years to come.

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