[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 83-84]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               APPRECIATION OF GOVERNOR JAMES B. EDWARDS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2015

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the State newspaper of 
Columbia, South Carolina, on December 27, 2014, published an article of 
statements issued upon learning of Governor Edwards' death.

                What They Are Saying About Gov. Edwards


 A collection of remarks and remembrances about former S.C. Gov. James 
               Edwards, who passed away Friday at age 87:

       Glenn McConnell, president of College of Charleston and 
     former S.C. Senate president pro tempore: ``As an alumnus of 
     our institution, Gov. Edwards represents the best traits of a 
     College of Charleston education: leadership and a passion for 
     lifelong learning. On a personal note, Gov. Edwards was a 
     mentor and a dear friend to me. He helped launch my career in 
     public service and inspired me, through his tireless and 
     selfless efforts, on how to best serve the people of South 
     Carolina. In every facet of his life, he believed in making 
     things better for others.''
       U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Seneca: ``He was truly one of 
     the most decent men to have ever served as governor of South 
     Carolina. He was a pioneer for the Republican Party and 
     continued to stay involved in party building activities 
     throughout his life.''
       U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-North Charleston: ``Jim was an early 
     mentor of mine as I entered public service, and I am forever 
     thankful for his advice and encouragement. From the 
     dedication of Patriot's Point during his time as governor to 
     his efforts expanding MUSC while serving as president, Gov. 
     Edwards has left an important legacy in our state.''
       U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale: ``Dr. Edwards was a 
     tireless stalwart for conservative limited government to 
     expand freedom. In high school, I would visit his dental 
     office for Goldwater materials, in his capacity as Charleston 
     County Republican Chairman. . . . Dr. Edwards' vision of an 
     inclusive Republican Party came to fulfillment this month 
     with the U.S. Senate victory in Louisiana, from his start 
     with no elected statewide Republican officials in the five-
     state Deep South, and now all statewide officials are 
     Republicans.''
       Medical University of South Carolina President David Cole: 
     ``With his leadership and vision MUSC started to transform 
     and grow in scope, scale, and quality. As an individual he 
     was universally liked and respected--he had a personality 
     that filled the room--truly he never met anyone that he did 
     not like. I had the privilege of joining the faculty as an 
     assistant professor of surgery in 1994, and from day one he 
     made me feel respected, included, and at times like I quite 
     possibly was his long lost younger brother.''
       S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh Leatherman, R-
     Florence: ``A Palmetto gentleman who sought only the best 
     solutions for his community, state, and nation. I know that 
     the entire Senate of South Carolina joins me in sending our 
     deepest condolences to the Edwards family. The Medical 
     University of South Carolina, South Carolina, and the United 
     States are a better place because of his leadership.''
       S.C. Republican Party Chairman Matt Moore: ``Gov. Edwards 
     made an incredible mark on South Carolina history. His legacy 
     will live on through the countless lives he touched as 
     governor, dentist and particularly as a man of faith.''
       Former congressman and federal judge John Napier: ``Jim 
     Edwards was a giant force for good in everything he ever did. 
     A mentor and creator of the modern Republican Party. Pam and 
     I express our deepest sympathy to Anne and the family.''
       Rusty DePass, campaign manager of Edwards' 1974 
     gubernatorial win: ``He was

[[Page 84]]

     laid back, easygoing. He was opinionated, but he did not have 
     a hard edge to him and didn't have a mean bone in his body. 
     And he was the same person in private as he was in public.''

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