[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING PAUL SIMON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in congratulating 
former Senator Paul Simon, who will be celebrating his 75th birthday on 
November 29. As one of Illinois' favorite sons, and a man who fought 
hard for the people of the United States in this building for twenty-
two years, it is only appropriate that this body honor one of the most 
outstanding and respected leaders our country has ever known.
  Born in Eugene, Oregon on November 29, 1928, Paul Simon moved to 
Troy, Illinois upon his graduation from college and worked as a 
newspaper editor and publisher, eventually building a chain of fourteen 
weekly papers. After serving in the United States Army from 1951-1953, 
Senator Simon first ran for elective office in 1955, winning a seat in 
the Illinois General Assembly. He served as a State Representative from 
1955-1963 and as a State Senator from 1963-1968. From 1969-1973 he 
served our state as Lieutenant Governor. He was elected to the Ninety-
fourth Congress, and served in the House from 1975 to 1985. In 1984 he 
won election to the Senate and served until 1997 when he chose not to 
run for reelection. Additionally, Senator Simon was a candidate for the 
Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 1988, 
winning the Illinois Primary.
  As a Member of Congress, Senator Simon championed many progressive 
issues, many of them long before they became fashionable, including 
campaign finance reform and the creation of new programs to make 
college more affordable and accessible for our children.
  Since retiring from elected office, Senator Simon has continued to 
advance a lifetime passion of his: education. The founder and Director 
of the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, Senator 
Simon still teaches classes in journalism, political science and 
history. The author of over a dozen books, his 1998 autobiography P.S. 
remains a must-read for those interested in Illinois politics in the 
post-war period. Additionally, Senator Simon was one of the founders of 
the magazine Illinois Issues, which remains the definitive journal of 
Illinois' political landscape.
  But despite winning elections in five different decades, serving his 
state and country in many different capacities, and being a leading 
educator, Senator Simon's character, integrity and intelligence are 
what have made him the most enduringly popular political figure in our 
state. The advice and support of Senator Simon remains cherished by 
those of us who have attempted to advance his ideals.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to congratulate a true 
hero of mine and the entire State of Illinois, Senator Paul Simon, on 
the occasion of his 75th birthday.

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