    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [July 4, 2008]
    [Page 992]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Senator Jesse Helms
    July 4, 2008

        Laura and I are deeply saddened by the
    passing of our good friend and a great American, Senator Jesse Helms.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dot and all the members of the Helms family.
        Throughout his long public career, Senator Jesse Helms was a
    tireless advocate for the people of North Carolina, a stalwart defender
    of limited government and free enterprise, a fearless defender of a
    culture of life, and an unwavering champion of those struggling for
    liberty. Under his leadership, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
    was a powerful force for freedom. And today, from Central America to
    Central Europe and beyond, people remember, in the dark days when the
    forces of tyranny seemed on the rise, Jesse Helms took their side.
        Jesse Helms was a kind, decent, and humble man and a passionate
    defender of what he called ``the miracle of America.'' So it is fitting
    that this great patriot left us on the Fourth of July. He was once asked
    if he had any ambitions beyond the United States Senate. He replied,
    ``The only thing I am running for is the Kingdom of Heaven.'' Today
    Jesse Helms has finished the race, and we pray he finds comfort in the
    arms of the loving God he strove to serve throughout his life.