Political Quotes

“I rise today to bring the news that former Member of Congress Robert ``Bob'' Eckhardt passed away yesterday in Austin, Texas. He was 88 years old, and is survived by three daughters. Bob Eckhardt actually was in District 8 from Texas, which is now represented by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), but I represent most of the population in the geographic area that in the 1970s was part of Congressional District 8. Bob Eckhardt served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 to 1981, representing the Eighth Congressional District. He was born in Austin, Texas, and he graduated from the University of Texas Law School, served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and prior to his election to Congress he served in the Texas House of Representatives. I can say it best, I guess, with quoting the Houston Chronicle editorial in this morning's paper about Bob Eckhardt: ``Known in Congress as a serious scholar and a fervent ideologue, Eckhardt immersed himself and associates in complicated formulas and details that made him a master of the legislative process. Articulate and loquacious, irreverent and eccentric, Eckhardt customarily traveled by bicycle wearing his trademark bow tie, white suit and Panama hat, even years after he left Congress. He could incorporate a quote from Shakespeare or the Constitution in almost any debate.”