Roy Blunt: “there are many memories that come to mind when I think of Missouri's longest serving Secretary of State, Jim…”

“there are many memories that come to mind when I think of Missouri's longest serving Secretary of State, Jim Kirkpatrick, of Warrensburg, Missouri. There was the quick laugh and sparkling eyes that often calmed a political confrontation. There was the always present Irish green tie, the green jacket, the green stationery, the green ink, the green furniture. In fact, everything in the Secretary of State's office when I had the privilege to follow him there was some shade of green. It is a privilege for me today, the only Republican elected Secretary of State in Missouri in the last seven decades, to join with the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) as we honor the memory of Missouri's 'Mr. Democrat' as its most Irish politician this week of Saint Patrick's Day. Many Missourians remember Jim Kirkpatrick working to establish statewide voter registration, directing two winning campaigns for better roads, and championing the establishment of a records management and archives division in State government.”