[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 140 (Monday, September 28, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING BEVERLY C. DAGGETT

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today we solemnly remember Senator 
Beverly Daggett. A dedicated public servant, Beverly died on September 
6, 2015, 3 days before her 70th birthday, after a valiant, lifelong 
battle with kidney disease. Bev will be remembered for her dedication 
to her family, community, and State. The State of Maine has lost a 
woman of true integrity, and she will be greatly missed.
  Bev was an exceptionally intelligent and hard-working woman who found 
countless successes in life. She began her tenure in the Maine House of 
Representatives in 1987 as a member of the 113th legislature. She 
served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1987 through 1996 and 
in the Maine Senate from 1997 through 2004. In the Senate, Bev rose to 
leadership as the Senate Democratic leader in 2000. She worked closely 
with members on both sides of the aisle to achieve the historic power-
sharing deal that stemmed from the Senate's first ever partisan tie.
  In 2002, in recognition of her strong leadership, her colleagues 
elected Beverly Daggett to serve as the first woman President of the 
Maine Senate.
  Bev's dedication to community was obvious as she served in countless 
ways other than her political activities. Senator Daggett was also 
Kennebec County Commissioner for several terms. She served for 25 years 
on the Board of Crisis and Counseling, culminating in her role as board 
chair. She also sat on the school board and was a member of the Green 
Street United Methodist Church, where she was a substitute organist. 
Above all else, Beverly was a devoted wife, mother, and friend.
  I had the honor of working with Beverly during my time as the 
Governor of Maine and witnessed firsthand her strong leadership and 
commitment to the betterment of Maine. I am deeply saddened by her 
passing and would like to join her friends and family in reflecting on 
her many life accomplishments and honor her memory.
  Beverly will be remembered for her deep and abiding faith, her 
leadership, encouragement of those around her, ceaseless advocacy for 
those without a voice, sense of humor, and wisdom. Her firm devotion to 
the betterment of Maine will never be forgotten. I, along with all the 
people of Maine, am thankful for her immeasurable contributions to our 
State and the Nation.

                          ____________________