[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 118 (Wednesday, July 9, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LARRY MARTIN

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my friend Larry 
John Martin, who will retire at the end of this summer after a 
distinguished career in service to communities throughout the State of 
Wisconsin.
  As a proud son of Kenosha, Larry discovered his passion for politics 
and public service as a teenager at Tremper High School. In 1979, he 
came to Washington, DC, to work as a Senate page under then-Sergeant at 
Arms F. Nordy Hoffman and sponsored by my predecessor Senator William 
Proxmire. Larry still recalls with fondness his time serving alongside 
his ``colleagues,'' including Senators Ted Kennedy, George McGovern, 
and Joseph Biden.
  After moving to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin, he 
stayed to raise a family upon meeting his wife of more than 35 years 
Martha Cranley. Larry worked in the administrations of Wisconsin 
Governors Tony Earl and James Doyle and served as executive director 
for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Later, as executive director of 
the Wisconsin Library Association, he helped to strengthen our public 
library system in the State as providers of information and welcoming 
spaces for the community, particularly for the South Central Library 
System. Most recently, Larry served as executive director for the State 
Bar of Wisconsin, where he enjoyed the opportunity to work with lawyers 
of all specialties, but particularly those who worked in public service 
and the most legally underserved areas of our State.
  Larry has a deeply rooted commitment to ensuring that our systems of 
government work best when we work across the aisle. To that end, he has 
made it a point to create working relationships and forming lifetime 
friendships with those across the political spectrum. Larry has always 
maintained a strong belief in the power of democracy and never missed a 
chance to cast his ballot in person the day of an election. On many 
brisk November and April mornings, you could often find him waving yard 
signs at a busy intersection, reminding people to get out and perform 
their civic duty as citizens of this country.
  Above all, Larry enjoys being with Martha and his family, making it a 
point to be home for dinner and enthusiastically support whatever 
events and activities his children were involved in. His family tells 
me that he is at his happiest during the Christmas season, enjoying 
movies next to the tree with his growing family of in-laws and 
grandchildren, preferably with an ice-cold Coca-Cola within reach.
  Larry, thank you for your commitment to service, to Wisconsin and for 
your friendship. I wish you all the best in your retirement.

                          ____________________