[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ANDREW WHELAN

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2012

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, now that we have returned to our districts 
before the election, I'd like to highlight a valuable staff member of 
mine who recently left my office. I rise today to honor an outstanding 
golfer, a barbecue master, and an intensely devoted San Francisco 49ers 
fan who ably and professionally served for many years as my press 
secretary, Andrew Whelan. Andrew and his fantastic wife Paige recently 
moved back to their home state of California, and I've greatly missed 
his keen advice and genuine friendship.
  Andrew started the Capitol Hill chapter of his career nearly seven 
years ago, working on the House Committee on Resources, eventually 
rising to deputy press secretary. In December 2006, I hired him as my 
press secretary, where he has successfully served the people of Oregon 
ever since.
  Mr. Speaker, there may be no more challenging job on Capitol Hill 
than being a press secretary to a Member of Congress who was a press 
secretary to a Member of Congress. But Andrew went above and beyond by 
facing this demanding role with unflinching resolve and dedication--all 
while making it look nearly effortless and easy.
  Before pursuing federal public service in Washington, Andrew worked 
for a state assemblyman in California, and edited his alma mater's 
campus newspaper, the California Aggie at University of California, 
Davis.
  A Member of Congress relies on his or her staff to be his eyes and 
ears across the district--especially when the district covers 70,000 
square miles, like Oregon's Second. Andrew has always been a highly 
effective representative of me whether it be when speaking to a 
national news outlet, the local hometown newspaper reporter, or an 
eager young student angling for an inside scoop for a school project on 
Congress.
  Andrew made it a point to maintain a genuine connection to 
constituents he came into contact with in all corners of the district--
those who agree with my policy positions and those who do not. He 
listened sincerely to their points of view and, even if they challenged 
him with extreme emotion, his responses were always civil and 
respectful and his demeanor was patient.
  Andrew made it his highest goal to keep in touch with the citizens of 
the Second District. He believes, as do I, that we are here to do the 
people's business, and the people have the right to know what their 
government is doing. It was Andrew's job to help communicate what we as 
Members are doing back to the people we serve.
  Andrew played a leading role in a number of public affairs efforts 
that made a real difference in our country. From helping to uncover 
negligence in federal agencies, to spotlighting an unfair and 
misleading National Guard bonus program for new recruits, to restoring 
housing rights for homeless veterans, to developing many other 
communications strategies that forced the government to better help the 
people they are supposed to serve, Andrew accomplished much for his 
fellow citizens during his time in Washington.
  As a press secretary, Andrew had to have a handle on a wide range of 
policy issues--and often had to know the issues as well as or better 
than the policy staff. He had to figure out how to explain complicated 
issues to people, often on a very tight deadline. To better keep in 
touch with people, he helped me expand the use of social media to more 
effectively reach Oregonians on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
  On a personal level, Andrew's love of golf is only overshadowed by 
his love for his wife, Paige. According to his mother, he was seen 
swinging a golf club even in diapers and won his first tournament at 
eight years old. He's even played in the qualifier for the U.S. Open 
twice. Also according to his mother, the only time he's looked happier 
than his time on the golf course was the day he married Paige.
  While living in Washington, DC, Andrew became an uncle, and he 
enjoyed being able to visit his brothers Don and Rob and his four 
nieces and nephews who live here on the East Coast.
  But now Andrew and Paige have moved back home to California. While 
Team Walden was very sorry to see him go, I know his parents Bill and 
Lindy are happy to be close to their son once again. I speak for all my 
current and former staff when I say we have missed Andrew very much. I 
should also add that I know the folks at Potbelly's around Washington 
have also been very sad to see him go, but delighted at the prospects 
of him opening the first Potbelly's franchise in the Bay Area which 
will be necessary to satisfy his cravings.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Andrew and Paige the best 
of luck as they return West and pursue new personal and professional 
endeavors. Andrew, thanks for exemplary service to the Congress and 
citizens of Oregon.

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