Political Quotes

“the distinguished elder statesman, Senator Lloyd Bentsen, passed away today in his family home in Houston at the age of 85. He leaves behind his wife Beryl Ann and his three children, Lloyd III, Lan and Tina, and seven beloved grandchildren. He also leaves behind almost four decades of dedicated public service on behalf of Texas and the American people. Alternately described as elegant, courtly, smooth, and collegial, Lloyd Bentsen of Rio Grande Valley was the picture of a Senator. A shrewd legislator with finely honed negotiating skills, he was able to work with both sides of the aisle and gain the trust and cooperation of his colleagues. Senator Bentsen began his life in public service in 1942 when, fresh out of the University of Texas Law School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. The war was on, and he was eager to serve his country. After a brief stint as a private in intelligence, the young Bentsen became a combat pilot. He began flying B-24 missions over an embattled Europe. By the time he was done, he had flown 50 missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oakleaf clusters. He retired a colonel in the Air Force Reserves. Still a young man in his early twenties, he returned to his hometown, where he practiced law for a year. He then became a county judge at the age of 25, and in 1948 he ran for Congress, where he served for three consecutive terms.…”