My colleague @SeanTrende sat on a plane today with former GOP Rep Dave Hobson, who was one of my all-time favorite members of Congress. A leader in the Ohio legislature before coming to the House, he was honest, ethical and cared deeply about the institution. It made me reminisce
Over many decades, I had as much business and friendship with Republicans in Congress as Democrats. There were giants and simply really good public servants. At the top of my list, Alan Simpson. Add Pete Domenici, Chuck Hagel, Chuck Percy, Mac Mathias, Mark Hatfield, Dan Evans
& Fred Thompson, Bob Bennett, Orrin Hatch before he turned into a Stepford Senator. Olympia Snowe, John McCain. In the House, start with my dear late friend Barber Conable. Then Bill Steiger, Bill Gradison, Bill Frenzel, all great members of Ways and Means. The great Bob Michel
Bob Inglis, Sherry Boehlert, Amo Houghton, Jim Ramstad, (Can't forget Dave Durenberger in the Senate!) David Dreier, before he blew up continuity of Congress. Porer Goss, a stalwart on the Office of Congressional Ethics. The late Tillie Fowler. Many more.
A mix of staunch conservatives-- like John Rhodes-- moderates and liberals (like my dear friend Chuck Whalen.) What they had in common was they put country over party, institutional concerns & regular order over cheap shots. I cannot find a single one now who fits those criteria
