Remembering Jesse Helms
By Winston-Salem Journal, N.C.
Jul. 4–Former N.C. Sen. Jesse Helms once said that his legacy would “be up to others to describe.” Helms’ death today at age 86 prompted an outpouring of remembrance from political friends, foes and observers.
Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.:
“Brooke and I are extremely saddened to hear the news of the passing of Jesse Helms. Jesse was a mentor and good friend and his contributions to North Carolina and to the nation were countless. We will miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dot and the entire Helms family.”
N.C. Gov. Mike Easley:
“Whether you liked his politics or not, he was a national force able to deliver for his constituents. We last appeared together when the Navy named a submarine after North Carolina at his request. He certainly didn’t shy from controversy and you always knew what his positions were.”
Linda Daves, chairwoman, N.C. Republican Party:
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Helms, but joyful that we can begin the celebration of such a great patriot on the Fourth of July. Jesse Helms was larger than life and it is entirely fitting that he would join Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams as making his last day the Fourth of July.”
Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th:
“Senator Helms was the truest of patriots. His passion for conservative principles and the vigor with which he pursued them was second to none. I consider Senator Helms to be a mentor and dear friend. He dedicated his life to ensuring that the America he knew and loved would remain a strong beacon of freedom in a tumultuous world. Senator Helms leaves behind a strong legacy of fighting for the freedoms that make America great, even in the face of the strongest of foes.”
Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-10th:
“This morning, America lost a great conservative leader and North Carolina lost the greatest political leader it has ever known. The compassion and principle of Jesse Helms earned him respect and admiration across the political spectrum and in foreign capitals around the world.”
John Dinan, professor of political science, Wake Forest University:
“It’s been said that if you make a list of the most influential politicians in the conservative movement, that Jesse Helms would make the top five or top 10.”
Rep. Earline Parmon, D-Forsyth:
“I knew Sen. Helms for many years and even though politically, we didn’t agree, the times I called on his office to help constituents, he was always very receptive and helpful. He made sure his office followed through. He was the ultimate Southern politician and gentleman, and we have to respect him for that.”
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