[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 128 (Saturday, August 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1769-E1770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE PASSING OF RICHARD RAUSCH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the fruitful life of 
Richard Rausch, who served on the staff here in the House in past 
years. After Richard Rausch's funeral in June, his friends repaired to 
the American Legion watering hole on Capitol Hill to celebrate his life 
in his style. Here in Congress, Richard is remembered for serving on 
the legislative staff of Rep. Neal Smith of Richard's home state of 
Iowa and Rep. Phil Burton. Richard's position as national director of 
the Young Democrats brought him to D.C. and he remained expert in 
national politics, but local politics became second nature to him. He 
came to the District from his beloved Iowa, and fell in love with this 
city and never left. In his home Capitol Hill community, Richard was 
revered both for his wit, wisdom, and his acumen as a behind the scenes 
political advisor and serious politician with the good humor not to 
take himself too seriously. He gave his life to the Democratic Party, 
attending every Democratic convention for the past 50 years.
  A gay activist before most gays dared to come out, Rausch was a 
founding member and one of only three honorary life members of the 
Gertrude Stein Club. He was D.C.'s first openly gay member of the 
Democratic National Committee.
  Richard was a quintessentially social animal and volunteer who knew 
who he was, where he stood and why. At bottom, people and politics were 
the loves of Richard's delightful and

[[Page E1770]]

fully lived life. Although most Americans have yet to commit to a 
presidential candidate, Richard was making calls for Sen. Barack Obama 
from his hospital bed during his last days. No doubt, Richard died a 
happy man, but he left many friends like me, who feel the void of his 
passing. Long live Richard.

                          ____________________