[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2017]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        TRIBUTE TO LARRY AHRENS

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Larry 
Ahrens, a man who has become an institution in Albuquerque. This week 
he celebrates his 20th anniversary as morning host on 770 KOB, one of 
the best-known radio stations in New Mexico. Larry's radio career has 
spanned much of my own Senate career, and we have developed a wonderful 
friendship and working relationship over the past two decades.
  There is something comforting about turning on the radio and hearing 
the same recognizable voice welcoming the day. For thousands of New 
Mexicans, Larry has become that reassuring deliverer of news, 
commentary and other interesting and entertaining information. It 
hardly seems like 20 years have lapsed since Larry first addressed KOB 
listeners and endeared himself to us with his level-headed take on life 
in Albuquerque and the Land of Enchantment.
  Larry Ahrens took over New Mexico's most high-profile radio job as 
morning host on 770 KOB on March 3, 1980. But he began his career in 
his native southern California.
  A job offer in Roswell brought Larry to the New Mexico airwaves in 
late 1972. Apparently his talent was clear even then, as an El Paso 
station owner traveling through Roswell heard Larry on the air and 
ended up offering him a job. Ahrens spent two and a half years in El 
Paso before coming back to New Mexico to begin his long run as host of 
KOB's morning show.
  Over the years, I've observed that a lot of radio personalities come 
and go. Larry has been a steady and reliable fixture on KOB, which I 
attribute to the fact that his show mirrors the community. He has 
served New Mexico with integrity, opening his mike to air the views of 
the day--whether they come from young mothers on Albuquerque's West 
Side, retirees in the Heights, or even the occasional politician.
  Part of Larry's appeal is linked to the fact that his job is more 
than sharing with New Mexicans between 5:30 and 10:00 a.m. Like so many 
others, I appreciate Larry as an active member of the community and a 
key supporter of important civic causes. One example is Larry's annual 
golf tournament for the University of New Mexico's academic scholarship 
program, now in its 18th year. He has raised more than $600,000 to give 
scores of New Mexico students an opportunity to continue their 
education.
  Larry and the morning show he hosts play a welcome role in the day-
to-day lives of many New Mexicans. Where once I could only enjoy 
Larry's broadcasts when in New Mexico, I am pleased that technology is 
now so advanced that I can listen to his show live on the Internet. 
It's almost like being home.
  Times may have changed since Larry first took to the airwaves, but 
his presence has remained constant for 20 years. Today, I think it 
would be fair to say Larry reigns as the premiere morning show host in 
Albuquerque.
  Mr. President, I congratulate Larry Ahrens on this career milestone, 
and salute his contributions to New Mexico throughout his impressive 
career. Finally, I add my voice to those thousands and thousands of New 
Mexicans who look forward to tuning into the radio to hear Larry's show 
for years to come.

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