[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S649-S650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING MARLOW W. COOK

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise with sadness to remark on the 
passing of an old friend, Kentucky's former U.S. Senator, Marlow W. 
Cook. Senator Cook served in this Chamber for only a single term, but 
his political impact in the Commonwealth of Kentucky was substantial. 
So was his impact on my life.
  Marlow Cook gave me my first real opportunity in politics. He gave me 
a chance to be a State youth chairman in his successful campaign for 
the U.S. Senate back in 1968. He also gave me an important opportunity 
in government. He won his election. I came to Washington with him, and 
I was what they called in those days chief legislative assistant. I 
think the term we use now is legislative director. I worked for him for 
2 years. I recall that time very, very fondly. I can tell you that over 
the years I remained extremely grateful for the opportunity he gave me 
to get started.
  Marlow Cook was someone who proved that Republican success was 
possible in a Commonwealth at that time completely dominated by 
Democrats. That was no easy task when he ran for office, but he 
succeeded anyway. You might even say he sketched out a political 
blueprint for victory: launch an improbable campaign for

[[Page S650]]

Jefferson County judge executive in your thirties and win, secure 
reelection, and then launch a bid for U.S. Senator. That is the 
political path Marlow Cook took, and that is the exact political path I 
took as well.
  Some might say the similarities end there or note that we haven't 
agreed on every issue in the years since, but what two people ever do? 
It doesn't change my enduring gratitude for the opportunities Marlow 
Cook brought to me. It certainly doesn't change my respect for him. 
This is a man who enlisted in the Navy when his country called and when 
he was still a teenager.
  Marlow Cook served his country honorably in both the Atlantic and 
Pacific theaters in World War II. He served his country honorably in 
the U.S. Senate.
  I should note that Marlow Cook was the first Roman Catholic elected 
to statewide office in Kentucky. Believe it or not, that was something 
of an issue back then. It is hard to imagine today.
  One more thing. Marlow Webster Cook's impact was felt in the course 
of the Commonwealth's history in the shape of the riverfront in 
Louisville. He bought the Belle of Louisville, the sternwheeler that is 
still going up and down the Ohio River today and is a particularly big 
thing during the Kentucky Derby week every year.
  He had a huge impact on a lot of young Kentuckians, such as myself. I 
knew his family well. Nancy, his now widow, and his five kids were all 
running around during that campaign way back then.
  I want to say to Nancy and all of Marlow and Nancy's kids how much we 
admire him. Elaine and I are truly saddened by his loss. We are going 
to continue to remember this veteran, this extraordinary county 
official, and our United States Senator fondly. I am sure colleagues 
will join me in that sentiment. I ask them also to join me in sending 
our best to all of Marlow's family and friends.

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