Monday, March 05, 2007

In Memoriam: SenatorThomas F. Eagleton, Democrat of Missouri - Vol. 3 Issue 31

Once upon a time, Missouri was a Democratic state. From the time of Harry Truman and the Pendergast machine in the 1930’s, through the 1970’s, Democrats generally held the governorship, both U.S. Senate seats and most of the Congressional seats. Missouri was an important state back then, not just because of its “bell weather” status, but because its elected officials were among the most talented and effective in the nation. Senator Stuart Symington was considered by many to have presidential qualities and he ran in the 1960 primaries. Symington was eventually defeated for President by John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. Another one of Missouri’s greats was Richard Bolling, who served in Congress from Missouri’s 5th District, from 1949 to 1983. Bolling became Chairman of the powerful Congressional Rules Committee and was considered by many to be one of the outstanding representatives in the entire history of the United States House of Representatives. He wrote the classic political and legislative classic, “Power in the House.” For terrific background on Bolling and his illustrious family, see TrumanLibrary.org.

Out of this rich political heritage Thomas F. Eagleton rose like a comet. Eagleton’s father, the noted trial attorney Mark Eagleton, once ran unsuccessfully for mayor of St. Louis and encouraged his son’s interest in politics. He was elected circuit attorney at age 26 in 1956, just three years after graduating from Harvard Law School. He was the youngest man ever elected to the position. After having been elected Missouri Attorney General and then Lt. Governor, he was elected to the United States Senate in 1968 and served with distinction until January 3, 1987. In the tradition of great Missouri democrats, Senator Eagleton became one of the most articulate and intellectually important members of the Senate. His two books on our system of government remain classics. See, Our Constitution and What It Means. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1987; Eagleton, Thomas. War and Presidential Power. New York: Liveright, 1974. He was a staunch critic of the war in Vietnam, which led to his selection as George McGovern’s vice presidential running mate in 1972.  The less said about McGovern’s ignoble handling of Eagleton’s termination from the ticket, the better. Suffice to say, there are still some Missouri democrats bitter over that incident. Senator Eagleton returned to the Senate where he worked hard on matters dealing with foreign relations, intelligence, defense, education, healthcare and the environment. He was one of the key supporters of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Act and he was a sponsor of the amendment halting Nixon’s illegal bombing of Cambodia. He left the Senate with a record of unparalled accomplishment and integrity.

More than anything else, Tom Eagleton was a mentor and friend to many of the next generation of Missouri Democrats. Among his ex-staff are Woody Overton, Steve Roling, Steve Glorioso, Gerard Grimaldi and many others. In addition, he was a supporter and a friend to many public officials including, new U.S Senator Claire McCaskill, former U.S. Representatives Alan Wheat, Karen McCarthy, Bill Clay and current 5th District Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver. Senator Eagleton will be remembered for his knowledge his character and his courage. His principled decency is something we need more of. While Missouri has lost a favorite son, he will be missed most by his family and his friends. To all of them we send our heartfelt condolences.

Sincerely,

Savant