Honoring Norbert Dreiling of Hays, Kansas

Floor Speech

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to recognize a man from my hometown who is a legend in Kansas and a pillar in our community, a man who is sought out for his political expertise and advice as well as for his legal skills, and a man who is well known for his charitable efforts and his vision for our State and our country. I am here tonight to honor a leader, and my friend, Mr. Norbert Dreiling.

Mr. Dreiling may best be known as the father of Democratic politics in the State of Kansas. Through years of dedicated service, he breathed life into a struggling Democratic party and established a lasting two-party system in our State.

Early on, Norbert found ways to use his talents to further his beliefs in good government and in opportunity for all. After graduating from law school in 1949, he returned to his home of Hays, Kansas, where he volunteered as a precinct committeeman, a position he held for the following 25 years. Norbert's enthusiasm and ability brought opportunities well beyond local politics. From 1966 to 1974, he served as State party chairman of the Democratic Party and as campaign chairman for Kansas Governor Robert Docking.

The party flourished under Chairman Dreiling's leadership; and for the first time in Kansas's history, an incumbent Republican Governor was defeated in a race for that office. Norbert went on to advise Governor Docking and helped elect him to a historic four terms as Kansas Governor, the most terms ever served by a Governor in our State. Norbert took an interest in national politics; and along with serving as a delegate to four national party conventions, he served as State co-chairman for the Johnson and Kennedy Presidential campaigns. Today, at the wise age of 79, Mr. Dreiling continues to advise and empower candidates and officeholders.

Norbert's influence extends well beyond politics. Even before President Kennedy's call for civic duty, Norbert was revered as a strong leader and a generous spirit in our community. His benevolent service in support of hospitals, rest homes, schools, and civic organizations is legendary. With an eye to bettering the future, Norbert also knows the importance of remembering the past. He has been instrumental in promoting the Volga-German heritage of Ellis County, Kansas; and he has authored a history of the Volga-German people and their immigration to Kansas, as well as a pageant play marking the centennial anniversary of these events.

When he is not volunteering his time and talents, Norbert is a successful attorney and a partner in the law firm of Dreiling, Bieker and Hoffman. Despite his many activities, his family comes first. Norbert is a devoted husband to his wife Jeannie, and a proud father of four children: January, Mark, Curtis, and Kathy.

Like his Volga-German ancestors who crossed the Kansas prairie many years ago, Norbert's hard work and strong values have made his community and our State a better place. I want tonight to thank Norbert for his many accomplishments, for his civic-minded spirit, and for his sound leadership. Despite a difference in our party affiliation, he is a friend and adviser; and I commend him for his longtime service to our great democracy.

Norbert has spent his life advocating for those in need and enabling others to overcome life's challenges. Today, Norbert himself is facing a great challenge, a personal battle with Parkinson's disease. And tonight, our prayers go out to Norbert and his family during these difficult times. May the strength and courage demonstrated in his years of service throughout his life help him fight the effects of this terrible disease.

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