[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GOV. O'BANNON

  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, it is my sad duty today to inform the 
Senate that our distinguished Governor of Indiana, Frank O'Bannon, has 
been incapacitated by what his doctors describe as a massive stroke. 
Governor O'Bannon is currently at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 
Chicago where-- thankfully--he is showing some small but encouraging 
signs of improvement.
  This has been a heartbreaking moment for all of us in Indiana. Frank 
O'Bannon is not only one of the State's most dedicated public 
servants--he is also one of the most respected and loved. I have joined 
with all my fellow Hoosiers in praying for his recovery. His wife, 
Judy, has been at his side at the hospital since Monday, and I hope she 
knows that she has our unwavering support.
  Governor O'Bannon has a record of public service that goes back more 
than 30 years. He was first elected to the Indiana State Senate where 
he served 18 years--much of it as the Democratic floor leader. He was 
Lieutenant Governor for 8 years before being elected Governor in 1996 
and then re-elected by a wide margin in 2000.
  I have known Frank O'Bannon many years and consider him my friend. He 
is a good man with a good heart--and that is why we are all so saddened 
by this sudden turn of events.
  On Wednesday, the Indiana Supreme Court reluctantly issued an order 
transferring the authority and responsibilities of the Office of 
Governor to our Lieutenant Governor, Joe Kernan. This transfer of 
power, done in full compliance with the Indiana State Constitution, 
ensures that state government will continue to provide all its services 
without interruption or delay.
  I ask my colleagues to join my prayers that Frank O'Bannon is able to 
recover from this sudden affliction and resume his responsibilities as 
Governor of Indiana.

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