Allen, Kaine issue statements on death of former Rep. William Wampler Sr.
George Allen and Tim Kaine before their December debate at the state Capitol (AP Photo).
Former governors George Allen and Tim Kaine, who are seeking Virginia’s open U.S. Senate seat, have issued statements of appreciation for former U.S. Rep. William Wampler Sr., who died last night.
From Allen:
“The spirit of the Bald Eagle of the Cumberlands may have ascended to the Heavens, but memories and appreciation for his strong leadership for the people of Southwest Virginia will live on.
“Congressman Wampler was a trusted, sharp advisor to me and a vibrant, creative and ardent advocate for common-sense conservative principles and ways to improve the lives and opportunities of his constituents.
“While memories of his passionate speeches are recalled, mostly our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Lee and their children, including William C. Wampler, Jr. who has vigorously carried on his father’s tradition of honest, determined and effective leadership in Virginia.”
From Kaine:
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of William Wampler Sr. A bastion of Virginia politics and no doubt a driving force behind his district’s ‘fighting ninth’ nickname, William will be missed by all those he has worked with over his many years in state politics. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and I join all Virginians in thanking him for his great record of service to our Commonwealth. His legacy lives on in the work of his son William–an effective state senator for many years who now serves as President of the New College Institute in Martinsville.”
May 24, 2012 - 11:32 AM
Can anyone name some “common-sense conservative principle that culminated in “ways to improve the lives and opportunities of his constituents”. They say stuff like this platitude all the time, but name me a real world example or two.
Progressives have a litany of ways we have made the lives of workers, the disabled, the elderly and the unemployed better:
abolition of slavery
Constitutional Amendments
the FDA, OSHA, DEQ, EPA
the 40-hr workweek
minimum wage
the labor movement/workers’ rights
protection of voting rights
Anti-trust legislation and enforcement
Public education
Integration of the military, schools, workplaces, commercial establishments
The Civil Rights Act
the Safety Nets (Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, etc.)
Awareness for Gay Rights
What have the TP/GOP ever done for workers, the disabled, the elderly and the unemployed?
Sandi,
Shame on you for using this commemorative post on the death of a civil servant as a snide way to pose your political agenda. It was Congressman Wampler’s integrity and values that rose above the mudslinging politics which run rampant today.
We need more elected officials to possess a deep, honest love for their own people -regardless of which party- like Congressman Wampler had for his town, region, and country. For him, it was not about a quantitative list of bills passed. It was to qualitatively improve the lives of the citizens who respected him so.
May he rest in peace. And may we learn from our virtuous elders.
Ginny Harr, if you cannot identify George Allen’s words as the crass politicization of the death of an icon, I cannot help you.
Ginny Harr,
We will dearly miss your Grandfather Bill, even though my part of the family is now active in the Progressive camp. Bill was always there for our family and our former home area, THE FIGHTIN’ NINTH. We were pleased to call him both friend and cousin.