Posted on 07/30/2013 8:03:47 AM PDT by Perdogg
Harry F. Byrd Jr., who made history with his Independent run to the U.S. Senate in 1970, died this morning at his home in Winchester. He was 98.
His name may have preceded him into the Senate, but it was his declaration of independence and two successful elections as an Independent candidate that made his own name in that chamber.
Harry Byrd Jr. is the only Independent to win election to the U.S. Senate with a majority of the vote despite facing a challenge from both major parties.
(Excerpt) Read more at winchesterstar.com ...
ping
I didn’t know he was still alive.
When I saw the headline I thought it said “Senator Harry Reid dies.”
Note this is a different Byrd than Robert Byrd, the KKK Dem from WV.
I didn’t know he was still alive.
a different Byrd ?
Robert Byrd was from West Virginia and dies in 2010 after being the longest serving Senator.
This is another Byrd — from Virginia.
Yeah I knew that.
The late VA senator, though a Democrat, was a princpled conservative. Just about the last of his breed.
The late WVA senator was a vile klansman and big spending porker.
I didn’t know this one was still alive, either.
Byrds of a feather.....never mind.
Harry, Jr's father was an inspiration to me as I became a dedicated Conservative, while still in High School. The leading Virginia Democrat for forty years, he was highly respected by Conservatives in both parties in Southern Ohio in that era.
Harry, Jr. wrote two books, about his own experiences, which I can highly recommend.
Thank you for posting this.
Bill Flax
wishful thinking
His dad was also a senator from Virginia. Got 15 electoral votes in the 1960 election.
When Richard Nixon as Vice-President was counting electoral votes in front of the Congress in 1961, he counted them alphabetically. So when he read Alabama’s total he said “and the gentlman from Virginia is in the lead!” which got a lot of laughs in a moment when Nixon had to announce his own defeat.
The oldest living former Senator is now Edward Brooke at 93.
I occasionally met him in the morning, as he walked to his office at the Winchester Star even in his old age. I suppose he is now retired. He was always cheerful and a gentleman. He was a giving man, generous with his time and money.
And when that good time comes, it will be A New Day In America.
Isn't he one of the undead?
I remember seeing an interview of him on TV. Back during the 30s Winston Churchill stayed with them for a week.
He said he and his Father loved Churchill because he was so much fun to talk with but his Mother couldn’t stand him. She was mainly upset because he used to walk around the house in his underwear.
Robert Byrd of WV was related to Harry Byrd tho Robert Byrd was adopted and his real name was not Byrd. He was adopted by relatives who like I say were kin to Harry Byrd.
They stuck the constitution in his pocket...and a piece of paper with the “N” word.
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