[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Pages 22048-22049]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING INDIANA GOVERNOR FRANK O'BANNON

  Mr. BAYH. It is with a sense of melancholy but also gratitude that I 
rise today to celebrate the life of Frank O'Bannon. He died as he 
lived, in service to the people of the State of Indiana.
  Frank O'Bannon was my friend and spent the best years of his life in 
public service: Eighteen years following in the footsteps of his father 
in the Indiana State Senate where he served as the leader of the 
Democratic Party; 8 years as lieutenant governor where we enjoyed a 
seamless partnership working on behalf of the people of our State, 
always a source of wise counsel, support, and encouragement; in these 
last 7 years, working on behalf of the people as Governor of the State 
of Indiana. His accomplishments were many and will be everlasting in 
memory.
  His devotion to education was second to none. He fought for higher 
academic standards, a system of assessments to determine how children 
are doing toward meeting those standards, and taking aggressive steps 
to ensure that every child across our State would have access to the 
skills necessary to make the most of their God-given abilities. He 
worked tirelessly first as lieutenant governor and then as Governor on 
behalf of a better economy, more job opportunities for the people of 
Indiana. Particularly during these recent difficult years he doubled 
his efforts to ensure that our State would be competitive with not only 
our neighboring States but also with those whom we compete from abroad. 
Frank O'Bannon cared about a better quality of life for all Hoosiers.
  He worked tirelessly for better health care for the citizens of our 
State, particularly for the young. I am so very proud the State of 
Indiana ranks at the top in the country in terms of how we have used 
the new CHIP Program to extend health care benefits to disadvantaged 
children across our State. I was privileged to work with him in my 
capacity here in the U.S. Senate to ensure our State continued to 
receive full funding for our efforts.
  Frank O'Bannon had many other important contributions in his legacy. 
Most recently I had a chance to visit the new White River State Park in 
Indianapolis and the magnificent Historical Society Center in 
Indianapolis where he hosted, along with our First Lady, Judy O'Bannon, 
the other governors from across the country to showcase the magnificent 
place that Indianapolis has become. The Historical Society was a 
wonderful setting for the governors, we had a chance to display the 
finest of Hoosier heritage for the entire country to see. The White 
River State Park will be a magnificent urban park attracting not only 
tourists from across the State but also business and industry as 
leaders of finance seek a better quality of life for their employees. 
His contributions to that effort were substantial, as well.
  I believe Frank O'Bannon was a special man not for his material 
accomplishments but instead for the kind of man he was. There is an old 
saying that ``character is destiny.'' I believe that is true and 
therefore, it is no wonder that Frank O'Bannon accomplished so much 
because he was a man of true and outstanding character, indeed. In all 
my years of association with him I never once saw him do something that 
was mean or petty. He understood very well that it is far better to be 
loved than feared. Even more, I always saw him place self-interest 
behind the public good, truly remarkable during an age of cynicism and 
skepticism about those in public life.
  There is an old proverb that says the definition of a statesman is 
someone who plants a tree in whose shade he will never rest. Seedlings 
have been planted across our State that will grow into strong oaks 
under which future generations will rest with ease, more secure because 
of the work and the legacy of Governor O'Bannon. He was a statesman.
  A calling characterized all too frequently by ego and hubris, Frank 
O'Bannon was always humble and gentle, giving credit to others, even 
when he deserved the lion's share. One of his favorite pastimes was to 
go to his cabin in Harrison County in southern Indiana to commune with 
nature and watch the wildlife. That is where Frank and Judy O'Bannon 
were most at home. That speaks volumes about his character, as well.
  Let me say a word or two about Judy. She was an exemplary First Lady, 
leading our State in the celebration of the recent millennium, always 
concerned that our history and culture never be lost, always reaching 
out to those in need. She is generous of spirit. I hope her 
contributions to our State will continue for many, many years to

[[Page 22049]]

come. Judy O'Bannon has done the people of our State proud.
  So today, my colleagues and Mr. President, we mourn but we can take 
comfort in the knowledge that our loss has been Heaven's gain. That the 
life and legacy of Frank O'Bannon will not end with our grieving or 
with my few inadequate words but will remain everlasting in the hearts 
of Hoosiers everywhere as long as we can still recall what makes our 
State such a special place.
  I thank my friends and I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. GRAHAM of South Carolina. Mr. President, I think a recess is 
coming; is that correct?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.

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