Political Quotes

“I am proud to join my colleagues from Tennessee, Mr. Quillen and Mr. Duncan, in saluting the life and service of the late Irene Bailey Baker. In her brief service in this House in 1964 and 1965, she represented the people of Tennessee with diligence and dignity, as her husband, Howard Baker Senior, did before her. Mr. Quillen has recounted Mrs. Baker's exemplary public service in Congress, for the city of Knoxville, and for the people of Tennessee. I came to know her through my long friendship with her stepson, Howard Baker Junior. Howard has often credited her example and encouragement for his own interest in public service, which of course, carried him to the positions of Senate majority leader and White House chief of staff. Mrs. Baker was a kind and gracious woman, a person of genuine warmth, delightful company, and a true example of a life well and fully lived. This House is richer for her service, however brief. And the State of Tennessee is richer for her life and example. I offer my condolences to her children and grandchildren, and trust that they will be comforted by the knowledge her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.”