[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 16, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S6864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    REMEMBERING SENATOR JESSE HELMS

  Mr. INOUYE. Madam President, I was saddened by the news of the death 
of our former colleague, Jesse Helms of North Carolina.
  He was a man of strong convictions, even if it meant being in 
opposition of his own party. He fought for what he believed, and he 
stood by his word. It was a privilege to work with Senator Helms, even 
though we disagreed on policy matters, we were able to do what we could 
for the love of our country.
  Madam President, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
this magnificent Senator and a great American, and a true patriot. He 
will be missed.
  Mr. SHELBY. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
honorable colleague, Senator Jesse Helms. North Carolina's longest 
serving popularly elected Senator, Jesse was a good friend and a true 
conservative. I join the entire Nation in mourning his passing.
  Jesse was born in Monroe, NC on October 18, 1921. He attended Wingate 
University and Wake Forest University and had a successful career in 
newspapers, first as a sports reporter for The Raleigh Times and later 
as the paper's city news editor. He also served as a recruiter for the 
U.S. Navy during World War II and worked in radio and television.
  In the 1950s, Helms began to pursue his interest in politics, working 
on Willis Smith's U.S. Senate campaign and later in his Senate office. 
Helms also worked on Senator Richard Russell's Presidential campaign 
and I. Beverly Lake, Sr.'s gubernatorial campaign. After these efforts, 
Jesse went back to journalism serving as the Capitol Broadcasting 
Company's executive vice president, vice chairman of the board and 
assistant chief executive officer. From these positions, Jesse gained 
local celebrity as a conservative commentator on the Raleigh-based 
television station.
  His notoriety in the area led to a 4-year position on the Raleigh 
City Council. Jesse remained at the Capitol Broadcasting Company until 
1972, when he became the first Republican elected to the Senate from 
North Carolina in the 20th century. Jesse served North Carolina well as 
a chairman of both the Agriculture and Foreign Relations Committees. 
While in the Senate, Jesse was a conservative leader who worked 
tirelessly for small government, sound foreign policy and strong 
communities.
  After serving five terms in the U.S. Senate, Jesse retired and 
returned to North Carolina, where he wrote and published his memoir, 
Here's Where I Stand. He also continued his work with the Jesse Helms 
Center, a nonprofit organization started in 1987 to promote the 
principles Jesse felt so strongly about--democracy, free enterprise and 
strong values.
  In my time with Jesse in the Senate, I knew him to be honest, 
hardworking and committed to the people of North Carolina and this 
Nation. It is fitting that he passed away on Independence Day, as Jesse 
was certainly an independent man who loved this country and the values 
for which it stands.
  Jesse is loved and will be missed by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy; 
his son Charles; his two daughters, Jane and Nancy; and seven 
grandchildren. He was an inspiration to many and will be remembered for 
his dedication and many contributions to North Carolina and this 
Nation. I ask the entire Senate to join me in recognizing and honoring 
the life of Jesse Helms.

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