[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING SENATOR JAMES L. MATHEWSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a distinguished career in public service is 
coming to an end in the Show-Me State. Missouri State Senator James L. 
(Jim) Mathewson, a member of the State Senate from Sedalia, Missouri, 
will retire at the end of the year. He has served the people of the 
21st District since 1981.
  Senator Mathewson was born and raised in Warsaw, Missouri. After 
graduating from Warsaw public schools, he attended Redding College and 
then California State University at Chico.
  Before being elected to the state Senate, Jim Mathewson served in the 
Missouri House of Representatives. The people of his district chose to 
send him back to the state House in 1976 and 1978. First elected to the 
Missouri Senate in 1980, Senator Mathewson is currently serving the 
people of the 21st district for his fourth term. Earning the respect of 
his party, Senator Mathewson was elected Majority Floor Leader of the 
Senate in 1984 and 1986. He earned unanimous support among his fellow 
senators in 1989 and was elected the President Pro Tem of the Missouri 
Senate. He remained in this position through 1996.
  Through the years, Senator Mathewson has been successful in many 
impressive legislative initiatives. He is admired for his knowledge and 
courage. When the history of the Missouri Senate is written of this 
era, the name of Senator James Mathewson will have a prominent role. I 
am proud to call him my friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Members of the House will join me in 
thanking Senator Mathewson for his years of public service. I wish the 
Senator and his wife, Doris, all the best in the years ahead.