Max Baucus: “On October 15, we honored the late Senator Mike Mansfield with the unveiling of the new book, ``Senator Mansfield: The…”

“On October 15, we honored the late Senator Mike Mansfield with the unveiling of the new book, ``Senator Mansfield: The Extraordinary Life of a Great American Statesman and Diplomat,'' by author Don Oberdorfer. To many, he was Senator Mansfield, Majority Leader Mansfield, or Ambassador Mansfield. To us in Montana, he was just Mike. He was our Mike. He was humble, self effacing, and didn't want people making a big fuss about him. Although he wouldn't have wanted one, I'd like to thank the University of Montana and their alumni for hosting an event here in the Capitol to commemorate the life and times of Mike through this new book. Mike had three great loves in his life: his wife Maureen, his State of Montana and serving in the United States Senate. Maureen was the love of his life. He always said that his successes were because of her. The last time I visited Mike in the hospital his face lit up when he talked about her. ``What a gal,'' he said. ``What a gal she was.'' Mike was a good friend and a great inspiration to many people, including myself. Mike encouraged me to get into public service, he was my mentor when I was first elected to Congress, and he provided me sage counsel until his death. Mike would think that tonight's event was too much. That is just the kind of man he was. But it's our job to keep his memory alive and educate others on what a great impact he had on Montana, the Nation, and the world.”