[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 92 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1147]]


                    HONORING THE MEMORY OF TIM BAER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
remarkable political strategist and a superior human being, Mr. Tim 
Baer.
   The Birmingham News recently described Tim as ``a plainspoken 
political operative who helped the GOP take over the state's appellate 
courts.''
   Tim was born near Buffalo, New York, and was raised in Pompano 
Beach, Florida. However, he called Birmingham, Alabama, home for over 
30 years.
   In 1986, Tim directed a national GOP telemarketing campaign in 19 
states with Republican U.S. Senate candidates. In that year, no 
Republicans were serving on Alabama's appellate courts. In the 
following years, Mr. Baer individually managed the victorious campaigns 
of five Republican hopefuls for the state Supreme Court. He also worked 
voter identification for numerous Republican candidates in multiple 
election cycles.
   Tim was probably best known for his service as the state of 
Alabama's Republican Party executive director. He also worked as 
director of field operations for the Business Council of Alabama, where 
he raised money for the group's political action committee, Progress 
PAC. He also served as an aide to former Probate Judge Mark Gaines, 
where he supervised Jefferson County elections.
   In 2000, Tim was instrumental in the successful effort for Alabama 
Republicans to add to their very slim Supreme Court majority, an effort 
spearheaded by political consultant Karl Rove. Today, Republicans hold 
eight of the nine high court seats, due in large part to Tim's efforts.
   Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout the state of 
Alabama. Tim Baer will be dearly missed by his family--his daughter, 
Katie Baer; his father, Chet Baer; his sister, Janice Mudd; as well as 
the countless loyal friends he leaves behind.
   Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult 
time.

                          ____________________