Senator DeWine's Final Days Pay Tribute to Troops

From The Washington Times:

A politician's final moments in public office can define their legacy.

Lawmakers who lost their November races chose different ways to use their waning time on Capitol Hill -- some finishing legislation or positioning themselves for a future run.

Sen. Mike DeWine of Ohio's last task was more solemn.

"My goal has been to do one tribute for each serviceman, and after I lost the election, it became apparent that was going to be difficult," the Republican told The Washington Times. "It is something only a United States senator can do, so that presented a great sense of urgency."

So Mr. DeWine spent his last hours delivering more than 75 floor speeches in honor of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, completing a longtime goal of memorializing the more than 150 from his state who have perished in those wars.

It is a task he began in 2002, when an Ohioan became the first serviceman killed in Afghanistan, but one he pledged to finish before leaving after 12 years in the Senate and more than two decades on Capitol Hill.

"It is the mark of our colleague from Ohio, the kind of person he is ... that he would come to the floor of the Senate in his last few days," said Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican. "[To] focus on others, focus on those who have given the ultimate for their families, for our country and for our future."

While most of his departing colleagues spent last week backslapping and lauding their own accomplishments, Mr. DeWine, 59, remained in the chamber late each night paying homage.

"I believe it is the least we can do in this Senate," said Mr. DeWine, who voted for the Iraq war in 2002. He lost his seat to Democratic Rep. Sherrod Brown in part because of his support for the conflict.

[More]

My Comments:
Despite my disagreements with the man I have referred to on this blog as DeRINO, Mike DeWine was a solidly pro-life vote and a strong supporter of our troops. He has been a class act, and will be missed in the U.S. Senate.


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Santorum Thanks Family, Voters in Farewell Speech