[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 24 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DEPARTING STAFFERS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I would like to pay tribute to 
two of the hardest working staffers in the Senate: John Ashbrook and 
Russell Coleman.


                            Russell Coleman

  First, there is Russell, a dyed-in-the-wool Kentuckian. He is a huge 
Wildcats fan. The only words one associates with Russell more often 
than ``affable'' are these two: ``persuasive'' and ``determined.'' When 
Russell sets his mind to something, there is not much you can do to 
stop him--not that you would want to because he is one of the 
friendliest guys you will ever meet. More than a few times, you will 
see a group entering a meeting with Russell, spoiling for a fight. Then 
the door opens, and they are his best friends. It is quite a skill. It 
is nearly as impressive as this one: Russell Coleman knows just about 
everybody in Kentucky. His Rolodex is something to behold.
  He has done a lot of great work here in the Senate. This one-time FBI 
agent is passionate about law-enforcement issues. This one-time intern 
is passionate about mentoring others, letting those around him know, no 
matter how junior, that their contributions do matter.
  Russell is also a great fighter. That tough will has helped Russell 
push through adversity with grace and with grit. Faith is a big part of 
Russell's life too. It is something he shares with Chaplain Black every 
Friday in Bible study.
  Russell is ready to share more of himself, too, with his family, his 
wife Ashley and his children, Annie and Clay. They are all making the 
move back to Louisville. They will have a lot more time together, and I 
know they and Russell couldn't be happier.
  So congratulations, Russell, and thanks for your service.


                             John Ashbrook

  Let me tell you about John Ashbrook. John has been with me since I 
first became Republican leader. He was a fresh-faced kid back then, a 
young guy from Cincinnati who wanted nothing more than to work in the 
White House. I am grateful he chose to work for me instead. I am 
grateful John was willing to transfer his allegiance across the Ohio 
River for the past 8 years because John Ashbrook is easy-mannered, 
matched with unbending will. You don't see that very often. He has been 
an important player on our staff not only for his professionalism but 
for his character too.
  John is known around the Capitol as a founding member of the Senate 
Republican Communications Center. With John's help, it has been a real 
success.
  The Capitol is going to be a different place without John's laughter 
echoing in the corridors. Every reporter knows his name. Every member 
of my staff knows his smile. It is pretty hard to miss.
  John, muffin in hand, is usually the first guy in every morning. Many 
hours later, he is often the last one out. I appreciate it deeply.
  I know John's wife Kate takes a somewhat different view. I can't 
blame her. Kate is ready for dinners without John's Blackberry at the 
table, and John is ready to spend more time with his three beautiful 
daughters--Margaret, Abigail, and Charlotte, all born during his 
service here. John's daughters and Kate mean everything to him, and I 
couldn't be happier that John will be seeing more of all of them very 
soon.

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