[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S254-S255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO PHYLLIS CAUSEY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise to send my best wishes and 
gratitude to a good friend of mine and a loyal public servant to the 
people of

[[Page S255]]

Kentucky for many years, Ms. Phyllis Causey. After nearly 2 decades 
working for the Representative from Kentucky's 2nd Congressional 
District--first Congressman Ron Lewis, then Congressman Brett Guthrie--
she has chosen to embark on a well-earned retirement.
  As a field representative for Congressmen Guthrie and Lewis, she has 
made a huge impact on the lives of countless Kentuckians. Her 
dedication and hard work has set a standard for all who enter public 
service. She made many friends across the Commonwealth in her 18 years 
as a House staffer, and I am proud to be one of them.
  Phyllis graduated from Hopkinsville Community College in 1970 and 
earned her bachelor's degree at Western Kentucky University in 1972. 
She also worked for Western Kentucky University for 23 years.
  Before going to work for Kentucky's Second District, Phyllis was the 
vice chairwoman of the Warren County Republican Party. It was in that 
capacity she met Ron Lewis, who was exploring a run for Congress. A lot 
of people did not give Ron much of a chance at the time--after all, the 
previous holder of that district's Congressional seat, a Democrat, had 
held it for almost 40 years.
  Well, Ron Lewis surprised a lot of people when he won that race. 
After winning, one of his first decisions--one of his best decisions--
was to hire Phyllis Causey. And one of Brett's best decisions was to 
retain her.
  In her retirement, Phyllis has said she hopes to be able to spend 
more time with her husband, Larry, and also care for her mother. As so 
many people have stepped forward to wish her well upon the news of her 
retirement, Phyllis has humbly said, ``All I can hope is that I have 
made a difference.''
  I certainly think it is safe to say she has. I value her friendship 
and wish her the best in her future endeavors. I know my colleagues in 
the U.S. Senate join me in honoring Ms. Phyllis Causey upon her 
retirement and thanking her for her many years spent in public service.
  The Bowling Green, Kentucky-area publication The Daily News recently 
published an article highlighting Phyllis Causey's life and career. I 
ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                  [From The Daily News, Jan. 14, 2012]

Causey Is Hailed as Public Servant; Guthrie Aide Retiring at the End of 
                                January

                          (By Andrew Robinson)

       When U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, was 
     campaigning for Congress in 2008, he was frequently posed a 
     question. But it wasn't about his views on taxes, federal 
     spending or social issues.
       ``Are you going to keep Phyllis Causey?'' people often 
     asked Guthrie.
       Guthrie did in fact keep Causey, who served as his field 
     representative for the past three years. But Causey said 
     goodbye Friday, retiring after 18 years of work with 
     congressmen in Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District.
       Causey, who worked for former U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis before 
     joining Guthrie's office, officially retires at the end of 
     January.
       In a reception at the Warren County Justice Center, Causey 
     thanked co-workers, friends and families for their support 
     over the years.
       ``I have mixed emotions,'' Causey said. ``I've been crying 
     a lot, as a matter of fact. It's very nice that people are 
     stopping by.''
       She said she'll remember the friends she has made.
       ``And, of course, working for a great guy like (Guthrie) 
     and the previous congressman is a blessing,'' Causey said.
       In December, Guthrie spoke for a few minutes about Causey's 
     service on the floor of the U.S. House, a moment that was 
     entered into the Congressional Record.
       ``She has been such an inspiration to me,'' Guthrie said on 
     the floor. ``She has always been devoted to the causes she 
     believes in--church, family and friends. Phyllis is an 
     incredible wife, daughter, sister and mother. I know her 
     family, especially her husband Larry, will be happy to have 
     her around more often.''
       The moment caught Causey by surprise.
       ``I did not know that was happening until the day before,'' 
     Causey said. ``I'm overwhelmed and honored that he would want 
     to do that.''
       Of course, Guthrie and Lewis had nothing but good things to 
     say about Causey.
       ``I used to tell her, and she thought I was kidding, but I 
     used to say, ''Phyllis, don't run against me, you'll beat me 
     hands down,''' Lewis said. ``In the counties that Phyllis 
     serves, the people love her. She's never met a stranger. 
     Everywhere you go, they know Phyllis Causey.''
       Lewis met Causey in 1993. She was working as the vice 
     chairwoman of the Warren County Republican Party and Lewis 
     was trying to gauge his support in Warren County when he ran 
     for Congress.
       Lewis was invited by Causey to several events in Warren 
     County.
       ``She became one of my first supporters in Warren County,'' 
     Lewis said. ``She told me all the key people to talk to.''
       Such stories are endless, Lewis said.
       ``A lot of people who are very political have trouble 
     turning that into public service,'' Guthrie said. ``And 
     what's amazing about her, as hard-core of a Republican she 
     is, she served everybody.''
       Causey plans to spend more time with her husband, as well 
     as be a full-time caregiver for her mother. Mark Lord, who is 
     serving as Guthrie's district director, will step up to serve 
     Warren and Barren counties as field representative.
       ``She just has a great personality, loves people, loves her 
     job--and talk about a true public servant,'' Lewis said. 
     ``Phyllis is a public servant. I'm sad she's retiring because 
     people love her.''

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