[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          JOHN RHODES MEMORIES

  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, it has come to my attention that the 
family of former Congressman John Rhodes of Arizona has established a 
special Web site: www.johnrhodesmemories.org for the purpose of 
collecting memories from friends and former colleagues of this 
outstanding statesman.
  When I was elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 
1972 one of the first House leaders I came to know was John Rhodes, who 
was serving as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. 
Together with Congressman Gerald Ford, who was the Republican leader, 
he helped shape our legislative priorities and worked closely with 
President Nixon to formulate Republican Party policies.
  The memories I have of John Rhodes include his impeccable manners, 
his courtesy, his warm, big smile, his good judgement and his honesty. 
He was well liked by all Members of the House, Republicans and 
Democrats.
  It was foregone conclusion when Gerald Ford was selected by President 
Nixon to be his Vice President that John Rhodes would be elected by 
House Republicans to be the Republican leader. He was unopposed and 
elected unanimously.
  He served as leader with distinction during a very challenging time. 
The Watergate experience decimated House Republicans, but he helped put 
us on the road to political recovery and eventual majority status. Even 
though he and I left the House about the same time--he to retirement 
and I to election to the Senate--we would get together occasionally at 
meetings of SOS, a group that meets every week to discuss mutual 
interests and ideas for the improvement of the country and beyond.
  In summary, all my memories of the Honorable John Rhodes were good 
ones. His death on August 24, 2003, saddened all who knew him. He was a 
true friend and a great Congressman.

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