[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMENDING THOMAS O. SUGAR

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mr. Thomas O. Sugar, 
who has served as one of my most valued and trusted aides in the U.S. 
Senate and in the Indiana Governor's office. I am proud to have this 
opportunity to recognize Tom for the remarkable service he has rendered 
on behalf of the people of Indiana.
  Tom is a native of Kokomo, IN, an auto town in the heart of our proud 
manufacturing State. Tom never forgot where he came from, and he has 
been a faithful and passionate emissary of the hard-working, middle-
class Hoosiers who inspired him to enter public service in the first 
place.
  Tom's career in government and politics began when he served as a 
campaign field organizer for Jim Jontz, who represented Indiana's fifth 
Congressional District. Throughout his 7 years of service for 
Congressman Jontz, Tom held a variety of positions, culminating in his 
ascension to chief of staff in 1991.
  I was fortunate to have Tom join my staff as director of 
communication and planning during my second term as Indiana Governor. 
Among his many achievements, Tom orchestrated a successful conference 
on promoting responsible fatherhood that brought together leaders of 
the most successful fatherhood programs in the country. He also helped 
plan the Governor's adoption initiative, heralding needed reforms in 
Indiana's adoption system.
  Tom served as my campaign manager for my first Senate race in 1998 
and then took over as my chief of staff, a position he has held for 
over a decade. Tom has carried out this demanding role with unceasing 
skill, diplomacy, and determination. His portfolio has been 
considerable. Tom has been a top adviser on a range of significant 
policy issues, helping to improve our Nation's educational system, 
supporting working families, strengthening national security, and 
expanding volunteer opportunities for Americans to serve their country.
  In addition to playing a crucial role on policy issues, Tom has 
served as a leader and a mentor to members of my staff in both my 
Indiana and Washington offices. Tom had a knack for discovering new 
talent, and he helped hone the professional development of countless 
public servants.
  Most importantly, Tom is a devoted father to his sons, Jackson and 
Carter, and a loving husband to his wife Nancy. Tom cares about the 
people he works with and treats his colleagues like extended family. 
Tom was always ready with a kind word during times of plenty and an 
understanding ear during periods of personal difficulty and loss.
  This week, Tom leaves my office to pursue a new opportunity helping 
lower income students finish their college and postsecondary education. 
The newly formed National Consortium for College Completion is 
extraordinarily lucky to have Tom as a part of their organization. 
While I will deeply miss having Tom on my Senate staff, I look forward 
to hearing about the work he will do on behalf of students in need 
across our country.
  Tom is a trusted aide, a dear friend, and a true-blue Hoosier whose 
contributions to the State of Indiana are immeasurable.
  Mr. President, I am pleased to recognize Tom's extraordinary 
contributions to this body, and I wish him the best of luck in his 
future pursuits.

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