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| A VOICE OF MODERATION | |
 October 25,1999 
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KWAME HOLMAN: Early today, official Washington began the process of tribute and mourning as word spread of the surprising death last night of four-term Republican Senator John Chaffee. When the Senate convened at noon, members essentially put aside all other business and talked about Chaffee. SEN. ARLEN SPECTER, (R) Pennsylvania: Mr. President, I had come this morning to comment about the untimely passing of our distinguished colleague, Senator John Chaffee. KWAME HOLMAN: Senators from across the ideological spectrum praised Chafee, who may have been the Senate's leading Republican voice for moderation -- for instance, Chafee's version of a workable package of tax cuts, which he introduced in July. SEN. JOHN CHAFEE, (R) Rhode Island: This bipartisan alternative is a good, solid package, which includes broad-based relief for middle-income taxpayers and families, incentives for savings and investment, targeted relief to encourage improvements in education, health care, the environment, housing, and transportation. If we're serious about passing a tax cut this year, I believe this alternative is the right way to go. KWAME HOLMAN: John Chafee was born in providence, Rhode Island in 1922. SEN. MAX BAUCUS, (D) Montana: John Chafee was born to one of the most prominent New England families. And he could have coasted ---- he could have gone into business, he could have gone into law, but, no, he did not do that. What did he do? He chose service; and he chose service to his people. KWAME HOLMAN: Chafee attended Yale University and later graduated from Harvard Law School. He was in his third year at Yale when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Chafee enlisted in the Marine Corps, taking part in the battle for Guadalcanal. Chafee was recalled to the Marines in the Korean War and commanded a rifle company. Chafee honed his political skills while winning three terms as the Republican governor in heavily Democratic Rhode Island. In 1969, he was appointed Secretary of the Navy, and came to the Senate in 1976. Chaffee's mild manner suited his role as frequent facilitator of compromise. In 1994, Chafee led a nearly- successful effort to pass a bipartisan compromise on major expansion of health care coverage for the uninsured, which along with protecting the environment, was one of Chafee's signature issues. SEN. JOHN CHAFEE: We've come down so far here, I certainly don't want to throw in the towel yet, and I'm going to... we're going to keep plugging. And we've got to. As you know, we had, what? Maybe 20 Senators in there today listening, and we put a lot of time and energy into this thing. KWAME HOLMAN: Parting with his Republicans, Chafee voted against impeaching President Clinton but scolded the President nonetheless. SEN. JOHN CHAFEE: Some have accused House Republicans of conducting a vendetta against the President. But, let's remember that the House Republicans didn't create this situation nor did Judge Starr concoct the charges. It was President Clinton who through his own actions and extraordinary bad judgment caused these proceedings. If he had told the truth right from the beginning of this affair, our country would not have been dragged through these divisive events. KWAME HOLMAN: Still, President Clinton often received Chafee's support on tight Senate votes. He spoke about the Senator this morning. PRESIDENT CLINTON: John Chafee proved that politics can be an honorable profession. For him, civility was not simply a matter of personal manners. He believed it was essential to the preservation of our democratic system and the progress of our nation. He embodied the decent center, which has carried America from triumph to triumph for over 200 years. How we will miss him. KWAME HOLMAN: In March, Chafee announced he would not seek a fifth term in the Senate. John Chafee was 77. |
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