[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 41 (Friday, March 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF LEO T. McCARTHY AND EXPRESSING 
                      PROFOUND SORROW ON HIS DEATH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my 
deep sympathies to the family of the honorable Leo T. McCarthy, 
including his loving wife, Jackie Lee Burke, his four wonderful 
children, Sharon, Conna, Adam and Niall, and his 11 grandchildren.
  Leo McCarthy's passing is a great loss for the state of California. 
He was a champion of equality and social justice. He was a model of 
public service, both as a legislator and a citizen.
  Leo McCarthy dedicated his life to improving the lives of his fellow 
Californians.
  In the California State Assembly, Leo McCarthy reformed the 
institution by bringing increased openness and accountability to the 
legislative process.
  As a three-term Lieutenant Governor, Leo McCarthy took on some of our 
state's most challenging social issues. He implemented programs that 
empowered our state's impoverished and disenfranchised citizens and 
aided those who could not stand for themselves. These programs have 
greatly increased the quality of life in California, and each day 
numerous Californians benefit from his wisdom and leadership.
  Leo McCarthy was also a champion of the environment. He led the 
enactment of the California Coastal Act, which has helped conserve 
California's precious coastal resources and further protect our coast 
from offshore drilling.
  Leo McCarthy was also a model politician. I had a great deal of 
respect for the honesty and fairness he brought to the political 
process. I admired how he instilled the values of public service and 
social justice into future generations. The Leo T. McCarthy Center for 
Public Service and the Common Good at the University of San Francisco 
is an example of how his legacy will benefit our state for years to 
come.
  Mr. Speaker, Leo McCarthy's contributions to our state are 
immeasurable. He was a friend to me and all of California, and his 
presence will be missed even as his legacy endures.

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