Robert Byrd: A Man Who Shaped More Than the U.S. Senate

Elected officials are sent to Washington, DC to represent their state and constituents. They serve America and at the end of the day are looking to better the state and people they work for. One such man, who spanned decades in the U.S. Senate and American politics is the late Robert Byrd. Byrd's life came to an end early this morning at the age of 92. Most people my age as well as anyone born after 1950 probably only know Robert Byrd as an elected official from West Virginia. You would not be crazy to think of him as only that U.S. Senator because he has spent over 50 years there in addition to his few years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He makes me think of a different time in politics. When partisanship was not as bad. When politicians were rewarded for bringing money back to their state. And, not to mention, Byrd's famous nickname as the "King of Pork". That is something he was proud of his whole career.

What have notable individuals in Washington have had to say?

Here are a few:

President Obama: "He was as much a part of the Senate as the marble busts that line its chamber and its corridors. His profound passion for that body and its role and responsibilities was as evident behind closed doors as it was in the stemwinders he peppered with history. He held the deepest respect of members of both parties, and he was generous with his time and advice, something I appreciated greatly as a young senator."

Byrd's fellow West Virginia Democrat, Sen. Jay Rockefeller: "It has been my greatest privilege to serve with Robert C. Byrd in the United States Senate. I looked up to him, I fought next to him, and I am deeply saddened that he is gone. He leaves a void that simply can never be filled. But I am lifted by the knowledge of his deep and abiding faith in God, I have joy in the thought of him reunited with his dear Erma, and I am proud knowing that his moving life story and legacy of service and love for West Virginia will live on. Senator Byrd came from humble beginnings in the southern coalfields, was raised by hard-working West Virginians, and triumphantly rose to the heights of power in America. But he never forgot where he came from nor who he represented, and he never abused that power for his own gain."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): "Robert Byrd's was one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen. From his graduation as valedictorian of his high school class at the age of 16 to his chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee until the age of 91, he mastered everything he touched with great thoughtfulness and skill. Throughout more than half a century of service in this body, and six more in the House, Senator Byrd never stopped fighting for the people of West Virginia and for Democratic principles. My thoughts, and those of the entire United States Senate, are with the Byrd family. Robert Byrd was a Member of this nation's Congress for more than a quarter of the time it has existed, and longer than a quarter of today's sitting Senators and the President of the United States have been alive. The nine times the people of his state sent him to the Senate and the more than 18,500 votes he cast in its chamber will never be matched. His political career spanned a dozen presidencies and countless American advances and achievements. And throughout one of the longest political careers in history, no one ever defeated Robert Byrd in a single election. The people of West Virginia have lost a dedicated public servant, and America has lost a great defender of its most precious traditions. He was the foremost guardian of the Senate's complex rules, procedures and customs, and as leader of both the majority and the minority caucuses in the Senate he knew better than most that legislation is the art of compromise. By virtue of his endurance, Robert Byrd knew and worked with many of the greats of the United States Senate. Because of his enduring virtue, he will be remembered as one of them. Senator Byrd dedicated every single day of his Senate service to strengthening the institution, state and republic that he loved so dearly. There will never be another like him."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY): "Sen. Byrd combined a devotion to the U.S. Constitution with a deep learning of history to defend the interests of his state and the traditions of the Senate. We will remember him for his fighter's spirit, his abiding faith, and for the many times he recalled the Senate to its purposes. Generations of Americans will read the masterful history of the Senate he leaves behind, and they will also read about the remarkable life of Robert Carlyle Byrd."

House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): "Senator Byrd took pride in his status as Congress' foremost scholar on the Constitution, on the Senate, and on the institutions of our democracy. He never hesitated to speak truth to power. He was a voice of reason during times of war and economic hardship. He was always a gentleman, capable of charming any friend or foe. And he always stood on principle, even when others did not."

Former President Jimmy Carter: "Sen. Robert Byrd and his wife Erma were our personal friends, and he was my closest and most valuable adviser while I served as president. I respected him and attempted in every way to remain in his good graces. He was a giant among legislators, and was courageous in espousing controversial issues."

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton: "Robert Byrd led by the power of his example, and he made all of us who had the honor of serving as his colleagues better public servants and better citizens."

Rep. John Dingell (D-MI): "The laws of the United States and the rules of the Senate would not be what they are without Robert Byrd's skill and his strong desire to do what was right for his nation. His working knowledge of the Senate and its procedures will be missed. Senator Byrd leaves with us a legacy of service that bore witness to some of the great changes which have come to redefine our nation. He was a tenacious defender and advocate for the working class, as well as an astute and thoughtful voice."

Robert Byrd's life truly was long and during his 92 years; he learned a lot. A poor West Virginia boy who grew up in the South made some mistakes in his early life. He would come to regret his segregationist past and his days as a Ku Klux Klan member and sympathizer. He once battled against civil rights including the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965; only to realize the errors of his ways and turn to support such causes as a national holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

For 14 hours in 1964, Byrd would filibuster against the Civil Rights Act. He would be unsympathetic toward poor individuals in the slums. Byrd was part of a Democratic party that favored all the wrongs of the South and the party's change would echo his.

Robert Byrd's career reminds us that times really do change. And so do people.

Byrd did more for West Virginia during his time in the U.S. Senate then anyone else. He was proud to defend the U.S. Constitution and work on bettering America in the process. He spent the last 40 years trying to redeem his first 50. Some might be critical of him, but he was real. That is something that is often lost among politicians.

Robert Byrd's death is another reminder that politics change. People change. And his death with Ted Kennedy last year bring up memories of their time in U.S. Senate and hope that there are still politicians out there like them.