Remembering Senator Craig Thomas
Floor Speech
REMEMBERING SENATOR CRAIG THOMAS -- (Senate - June 06, 2007)
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I rise to honor Senator Craig Thomas, who, very sadly, passed away Monday evening. As all of us in the Senate know, Craig was a respected Member of this body. A number of my colleagues have made very kind remarks on the floor about their relationship with Craig. While I have not served as long in the Senate as have many of my colleagues who knew and worked with Craig over the years, I did have an opportunity to get to know him since being elected to the Senate in 2004.
I think one of the most important things we have all witnessed with Craig's passing is the outpouring of support and stories about the people he impacted in the Senate, in Wyoming, and across the country.
Without question, the Senate is a lesser place today without Craig's presence. One of the clearest indications of any politician's popularity is his or her support back home. Craig's leadership as the senior member of the Wyoming delegation was overwhelming--primarily due to the confidence he earned from his constituents back in Wyoming. That confidence was something he fought to keep since first being elected to Congress back in 1989.
Craig's battle with leukemia was very indicative of the way he led his life and how he worked on behalf of his State and our Nation. I also believe if his diagnosis hadn't been made public following his reelection last November, I doubt anybody would have known of the battle he waged as he underwent his chemotherapy treatments.
Craig did timeless work on behalf of the citizens of Wyoming and our Nation. His absence from the Senate will be greatly felt. Kimberley and I are deeply saddened by Craig's passing and extend our prayers to Susan and her family. Craig's hard work over the years on behalf of Wyoming and our Nation is a testament to his character and gives all of us something to strive for.
Craig Thomas was a man of the people. He was a Wyoming original. He represented the very heart and soul of the people of his State and of our Nation. He personified hard work and integrity. He was a ``what you see is what you get'' kind of a guy. Wyoming and America are a better place because of his service.
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