Jim Nussle: “I was struck, as I was watching this conversation that we are having this eulogy, this presentation that we are having…”

“I was struck, as I was watching this conversation that we are having this eulogy, this presentation that we are having today, how many people mentioned the words ``help'' and ``assistance'' that Ed Madigan provided them along the way. I thought it was only me. I have to say that I am not, as many others who served with Ed Madigan and knew him so very personally, I did not have that kind of experience with Ed. I did not know him that well. And that is why, if for no other reason, I am struck by the two instances that I recall the most about Ed and my very brief relationship. One was when I was a candidate. I got a call out of the blue from Ed Madigan. I really did not even know who he was, I have to confess. He called me up and he said, ``I am a representative from Illinois and just wanted to know if you had any questions or concerns about ag policy. I would be glad to try and answer them.'' I made up a couple of questions real quick, wishing that I had been better briefed to even ask the questions. I went on from that experience thinking, why in the world, this guy must have nothing better to do than to call me up. Obviously, we all know he did. But then when I got to Washington, I was told that I had a big brother for my orientation, and I was honored to discover it was this same Ed Madigan.”