Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a treasured Florida statesman, the Honorable Governor Kenneth ``Buddy'' MacKay. Today, his hometown and family will celebrate this compassionate fighter who served 26 years in the State house and senate, Congress, as Florida's Lieutenant Governor, and briefly as Governor. A righteous fighter for what he believed in, he fought the Cross Florida Barge Canal and defended a fellow University of Florida classmate from racist taunts. When others of his generation saw an issue to exploit, Buddy remained steadfast to protect civil rights, reproductive freedoms, and our precious ecosystem. Political foes used his decency against him, but Buddy MacKay remained a man of principle. He was a proud liberal who never abandoned causes that helped the less fortunate, even if it cost him votes. I came of age watching Buddy MacKay masterfully maneuver against powerful adversaries and work tirelessly behind the scenes to help people. Buddy MacKay embodied all the values of decency and honesty, and his public service legacy is a model we desperately need. May his memory be for a blessing. ____________________”