Like many of you, I woke up this morning to the news that Sen. Ted Kennedy had passed away. As a political news junkie, the coverage quickly sucked me in and consumed much of my morning and afternoon.
It’s been interesting to see how almost politicians, no matter their political philosphy, have praised Kennedy’s leadership. You expect that kind of thing from members of one’s party. So, to hear Tim Kaine, Chris Dodd, and Joe Biden wax on about Kennedy’s legacy wasn’t shocking. But to hear from George Allen, Bob McDonnell, George Bush, and Orrin Hatch do the same is another story. It speaks to Kennedy’s ability to fight civilly for what he believes in, a talent that is sorely missing in today’s Washington.
Not many states have a politician of Kennedy’s stature that would bring out this kind of praise. Can you think of anyone in Mississippi or Idaho who fits the bill? I can’t. But there’s at least one, if not two, in Virginia who do. Former Senator John Warner was in many ways the Republicans version of Ted Kennedy. Sure he doesn’t hail from a political dynasty and he didn’t serve in the Senate for almost 50 years. But, he was a conservative willing to work across party lines who won the admiration of his colleagues in both parties. He was a lion of the Senate.
His successor, Democrat Mark Warner has the potential to do the same.
I’d say that makes Virginia a pretty blessed state. But, let’s hope we don’t have to hear any eulogy’s for either man for many years to come.
Posted by Jay Warren at 10:44 PM. Filed under: main •
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