Benjamin Gilman: “I join my colleagues in paying tribute to one of the legislative giants of our century, indeed tribute to one of the…”

“I join my colleagues in paying tribute to one of the legislative giants of our century, indeed tribute to one of the greatest legislative leaders in the history of our Republic. The passing of Thomas 'Tip' O'Neill last month left a void which will not soon be filled. Tip was always so full of life, so determined, and so energetic, that most of us assumed he would always be with us. I had the privilege of serving in the House with Tip O'Neill during the last 14 years of his career. For the last 10 of those years, he was our Speaker. Despite the fact that he and I sat on opposite sides of the aisle, he never hesitated to offer sage advice, or a friendly handshake. Some congressional observers have labeled Tip O'Neill the last of the old time politicians and, at the same time, the first of the new brand of political leaders. While his colorful style and strong convictions made him an effective congressional leader and a household word, his charisma and obvious charm and sincerity made him a hero for the television generation. Tip was a man of the people who never forgot his roots.”