[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5168-S5169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN O'BRIEN

  Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I come to the floor this afternoon to 
take a couple of minutes to speak and to honor the life and legacy of a 
great leader from my home State of Washington. He was the former 
Speaker of the House, John O'Brien, and he passed away just this past 
weekend.
  It is no exaggeration to say that John O'Brien had one of the longest 
and most accomplished careers of anyone who served in our Washington 
State Legislature. I was really lucky to have an opportunity to work 
with him when I was in the Washington State Senate and he was serving 
in the House. He was one of those people whom, whenever he walked into 
a room, everyone noticed. I always thought he was just so tall, but 
then I am only 5 feet tall, so to me he was tall. But it is amazing to 
me how many people say that his stature brought the respect of everyone 
who ever met him, and it certainly was true for me and for so many of 
us.
  As Speaker of the House, he was known to be very tough but always 
fair. He was always firm, and he was always compassionate. I think I 
learned most from him that when you know the rules and use them for the 
betterment of all people, that is the kind of power which leaves you 
with a legacy everybody admires.
  John leaves us many legacies. He leaves us a record of long and 
distinguished service in the State legislature. There is a building on 
our capitol grounds in Washington State that bears his name. He leaves 
behind laws that made our State a better place to work, to live, and to 
raise a family. Most importantly, he left a legacy of service that 
lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to serve with him and to be 
inspired by his leadership. It is the kind of legacy that any elected 
official would be proud of.

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  On this sad occasion, I extend my condolences to his family, to his 
many friends, and to all of us who served with him. We will not forget 
his legacy.
  Madam President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Ohio is recognized.

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