[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MICHAEL C. CUDAHY, IN RECOGNITION OF HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO 
             THE CITIZENS OF ARIZONA AND THIS GREAT NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. SHADEGG

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on behalf of a fellow 
Arizonan and former colleague, Michael C. Cudahy, in recognition of his 
dedicated service to the citizens of the State of Arizona and this 
great Nation. Mike grew up in Southern California and Arizona in a 
family that had deep roots in the cattle and meat packing industry.
  After graduating from Middlebury College in Vermont and receiving his 
law degree from the University of Arizona College of Law, he served as 
a law clerk to two justices on the Arizona Supreme Court. Mike spent 
the majority of his professional career as an attorney with the Arizona 
Attorney General's Office, where he progressed through the office ranks 
from trial attorney to Chief Counsel and Senior Prosecutor, Criminal 
Division, during his 26 years of service. Through the administrations 
of numerous Attorneys General, who differed in their management styles 
and who were often from different political parties, Mike's talents for 
administration and skills as a litigator were consistently recognized 
and highly valued.
  He is held in high esteem by his colleagues, opponents, and judges 
for his trial skills, integrity, professionalism, and most of all, his 
sound judgment. Often he served as lead trial counsel in some of the 
most difficult and challenging cases facing the Attorney General's 
Office. A man of courage and conviction, Mike always adhered to the 
principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
  Mike has always taken great pride in mentoring new attorneys, 
inculcating them with a deep appreciation and respect for the duties 
and responsibilities of serving as a member of the legal profession, 
especially those engaging in public service who often bear being held 
to a higher standard. He often opined that being an attorney was a 
privilege. Mike exemplified the highest and most honorable attributes 
expected of an attorney, and those who came under his tutelage were 
fortunate indeed.
  Despite dealing with the frailties of individuals who entered the 
criminal justice system, Mike has maintained an optimistic perspective 
about the human spirit and our society. He has always remained positive 
about the world we live in and about the future of our Nation.
  In his personal life, his love and devotion to his family--wife 
Joanie, daughter Catherine, and son John--are the cornerstones of his 
life's journey. Despite some recent challenges to his health, which 
have caused an early retirement, Mike maintains his sense of humor and 
optimistic outlook.
  Every now and again, a special individual intersects with our own 
life in a profound way, and through his daily example creates a 
positive beam for us to follow. Michael C. Cudahy is one of these 
special individuals, and it is for these reasons I want to honor my 
friend and former colleague today.

                          ____________________