Joe Cunningham: “I would like to thank Joe Baca, a Member from the other side of the aisle, for giving tribute to someone that we cherish…”

“I would like to thank Joe Baca, a Member from the other side of the aisle, for giving tribute to someone that we cherish very, very much. You know, Ron Packard was a write-in, and what a rich legacy he gave the constituents of North County. Much of the district I now represent was Ron's former district, and his legacy was hard to keep up with. As a matter of fact, when I go up there, they used to tell me, well, 'Ron didn't do it that way, Duke.' But Ron gave me a lot of guidance. Ron Packard, Duncan Hunter, myself and Brian Bilbray represent North County, San Diego and San Diego City, both on authorization and appropriations, and I want to thank you for your leadership and what you were able to help us with. Not only from the appropriations, but Ron also knows how to breach partisanship and work with Members on the other side, as you just witnessed with Joe Baca. But he is no nonsense, and his style is that of a grandfather to a child. If you were bad on this House floor, or very partisan, Ron, through his leadership, was not above going after somebody that was partisan. He was also not afraid to call for removal of the President or a cabinet member when he thought it was within his value system, and he had the strength of a leader to carry that through. Ron loved public service. He loved his wife, Jean, and his family, but his family might be described as a covey, a herd, a flock, or just maybe a large group.”