[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GOVERNOR ROBERT SMYLIE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2004

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
life and peerless achievements of Robert Smylie, the only governor in 
Idaho history to serve three consecutive full terms. He died Saturday 
at the age of 89.
  Please join me in extending the sympathies of the House of 
Representatives to Governor Smylie's wife Lucille and their entire 
family.
  Bob Smylie was an Iowa native educated at my alma mater, the College 
of Idaho in Caldwell, and then at the George Washington University law 
school here in the nation's capital, where he attended classes while 
working as a member of the Capitol Police Force.
  For 8 years as Idaho's attorney general and 12 years as governor, Bob 
Smylie proved time and again that he was a man of talent, vision and 
courage. He saw the modern challenges facing state government and 
understood intuitively that they required bold actions. As is the case 
with many people of intellect and audacity, his genius was not fully 
appreciated in his lifetime.
  Governor Smylie was a pillar of fiscal responsibility. Yet he was far 
ahead of his time in recognizing that demands for government services 
would increase geometrically within his lifetime, that education and 
transportation are investments no state can afford to short-change, and 
that the public's business is worthy of our best efforts and brightest 
minds.
  Most of all, Governor Smylie was a tough and committed public servant 
who accepted nothing less from his colleagues and contemporaries. His 
example is one of uncompromising devotion to the good of Idaho, 
America, and our people.
  Mr. Speaker, we have lost an American original, a man whose influence 
and example will live on for years to come. He set the stage for the 
growth and progress that mark Idaho today. My state mourns his passing, 
but we all are better for having had Robert Smylie in our lives.

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