Thad Cochran: “In conclusion, let me simply say that one mark of the courage and interest in the political development of our State was…”

“In conclusion, let me simply say that one mark of the courage and interest in the political development of our State was illustrated by Mrs. Lyells' active and conspicuous participation in the development of the modern Republican Party in Mississippi. As an African-American, she took a stand and defended it with grace and with dignity and with intelligence, in a way that reflected credit on many of us who were actively involved in trying to build a new political party as a vehicle for political expression for our State and the citizens of our State at the national level. For that, I also will be forever grateful to her and to her family.”