[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE LIFE OF ELLIOTT MARANISS

 Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
pay tribute to Elliott Maraniss, a journalist whose work invariably 
served the cause of justice. Though he passed away on May 1, his work, 
and his commitment to the community he served, will leave an indelible 
mark on our State.
  Maraniss, who rose to become editor of Madison's Capital Times 
newspaper, first made his mark in Wisconsin as a reporter for that 
paper, with award-winning investigative stories about river pollution, 
controversy at the UW-Medical School, and a UW-Madison boxing scandal. 
He went on to serve as city editor, managing editor, and finally 
editor, a post he held from 1978 until he retired in 1983. As an editor 
he was known for being a mentor, for spotting talented new reporters, 
and for caring deeply about his staff.
  His leadership and integrity in the newsroom were legendary, and it 
was on those qualities, as well as his journalistic skills, that he 
built his outstanding career.
  His commitment to justice was lifelong, and he inspired many others 
through his work. A World War II veteran, he saw injustice firsthand in 
the still-segregated Army, where he served as captain of an all-
African-American unit. Later in life he entered the political realm, 
working for Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier after retiring from the Capital 
Times.
  I extend my condolences to his wife, Mary, and to his family and 
friends. His passing is a great loss for all those who knew him, and 
for everyone who understands the powerful contributions that 
journalists can make when they are fiercely committed to the truth, and 
to the cause of justice. So today I join his many family and friends in 
paying tribute to his memory. He will be long remembered for his 
outstanding service to the Capital Times and to his community, and for 
his many contributions to the State of Wisconsin.

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