Posted on 12/08/2005 1:18:17 PM PST by Big Steve
Carroll Campbell was a strong leader, a committed public servant, and a good friend. ... He was a tireless advocate for the state he loved and was known for his integrity and character. We join South Carolinians and Americans around the nation in mourning the passing of Carroll Campbell, and we send our thoughts and prayers to Iris and the entire Campbell family.
-- President George W. Bush
I think it would be nearly impossible to find someone who has contributed more to South Carolina than Carroll Campbell. ... In many ways his leadership in reforming and restructuring state government continues to serve as an inspiration and model for our administration's efforts today. ... South Carolina has lost one of its greatest modern-day leaders.
-- Gov. Mark Sanford
Gov. Campbell reshaped South Carolina politics and was a trailblazer on many fronts. He was the first governor to make an aggressive, successful effort to recruit large numbers of international businesses to our state and created a model we still follow today. ... When Carroll Campbell spoke, people throughout the nation listened.
-- U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
| Gov. Campbell dies at age 65 |
| Campbell felled by heart attack |
| Carroll Ashmore Campbell Jr. - Timeline |
| Alzheimer's research promising |
| Funeral arrangements |
He was a visionary that understood South Carolina must compete in a global economy, and was instrumental in attracting businesses like BMW to our state. His tireless efforts helped bring our state?s economy into the 21st Century.
-- U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.
Carroll was a worker and he worked for the good of the state. I think that's the significant thing - it was for the good of the state and not the party.
-- Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Ernest Hollings
It was a special honor to have served in the state Legislature during his tenure as governor. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his significant achievements on behalf of a state he dearly loved.
-- U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C
I often think, "What would Gov. Campbell have done in this situation." There's a whole generation of us who grew up into politics, looking to him as a guide. And there are some of us who would never have made it without his help.
-- U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis, R-S.C.
There is no doubt that the growth South Carolina has experienced over the past 15 years can be attributed to the policies Gov. Campbell promoted. He touched the lives of so many South Carolinians. ... He had a great respect for the people he represented and the offices he held, and he remained humble until the day he left the public eye.
-- U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C.
Gov. Campbell saw our plight in York and Lancaster counties and offered his support to settle the Catawba Indian land claim. He not only committed himself but also sent his first team. ... Without the support of Gov. Campbell and his staff, I doubt that we could have worked out the terms of the settlement.
-- U.S. Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C.
As a political leader, he effectively changed the face of politics in our country by establishing a Republican majority in South Carolina. On the national level, he was a key ally of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
-- U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C.
We enjoyed a very close, professional relationship and never let partisan politics come between us. ... Governor Campbell was forthright and forceful. He was a masterful politician and an extraordinary party builder. The Republican Party is benefiting today from his skill, and his loss marks the end of an era.
-- U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.
I've got to give the boy credit. Of the 20th century governors, he's got to be considered one of the best.
-- Former U.S. Rep. Tommy Hartnett, a Republican who served in the Legislature and Congress with Campbell, and ran for lieutenant governor in 1986 when Campbell sought the governor's seat.
He was great friend and mentor to me and was undeniably one of South Carolina's true great leaders. ... He laid the groundwork for me to be governor. ... He's taken us to new economic heights. His leadership has saved lives. His stewardship reformed government. To Carroll Campbell, I say, the people of South Carolina love you dearly. And on behalf of them, thank you for everything you have done.
-- Former Republican Gov. David Beasley and Campbell's successor
What I think often goes unnoticed with Campbell is that in Republican politics he was one of a handful of people across the country that was key in getting the Republican nomination for president.
-- Jim Hodges, former Democratic governor
He and I came up through Greenville politics. Most of our friends were the same people. He and I were from different parties. We had different priorities perhaps as governors and different styles but I think we both had the same goals, a better South Carolina.
-- Richard Riley, former Democratic governor and Campbell's predecessor
Governor Carroll Campbell was a leader of remarkable character and integrity. His commitment to improving the lives of everyday South Carolinians transcended any political barriers. While we mourn the loss of one of our state's greatest heroes, we know Governor Campbell's legacy of leadership will always be with us.
-- Katon Dawson, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party
Carroll Campbell was a strong leader who served our state very well. He used his significant political skills to advance South Carolina's economy - BMW's presence here is a great example of his tenacious commitment to economic development. His leadership helped make South Carolina a better place.
-- Joe Erwin, chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party
A true giant in the life of our state has fallen. Carroll Campbell's legacy of leadership and accomplishment is one to which many will aspire but few will surpass. He will be truly missed. ... One of the most important things he did was give us an example of what it means to be a highly dedicated public servant. He was determined. He had a vision for his people, and he would not stop until he got things done. ... He got things done with a determination and a drive that is legendary among those who have participated ... in state politics.
-- Attorney General Henry McMaster, former state Republican Party chairman
One of his great achievements has to be the leadership he provided in economic development. ... He took South Carolina's economy into the modern age.
-- State Sen. Glenn McConnell, president pro tem, R-Charleston
During a time when our state needed a strong leader, Gov. Campbell was there to guide us through troubled times. ... And just as he faced challenges in leading our state, he faced his battle with Alzheimer's with great courage - setting an example for all of us.
-- State House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston
The Pee Dee Region and the entire state of South Carolina are a much better place because of his leadership. Carroll Campbell personified leadership and set the standard upon which other governors are measured.
-- State Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence
He did such a great job in promoting new industry for South Carolina. I really don't believe that BMW complex would be there if not for his efforts.
-- Arthur Ravenel, former state senator, state representative and congressman
The governor was a master at summing up a situation. ... The reforms he envisioned made sound economic sense and he has been proven right. Simply put, he was a good governor.
-- Democratic state Treasurer Grady Patterson
He, in my judgment would be remembered as the economic development governor for South Carolina. ... I can assure you, there was no partisan divide during our venture of eight years as governor and lieutenant governor together.
-- Nick Theodore, Democratic lieutenant governor during Campbell's administration
In South Carolina, his service marked a significant turning point in both the state and the Republican Party. Both were struggling to keep up with a changing society when Carroll Campbell emerged bringing the promise of a new economy and a new perspective, a Republican perspective, to South Carolina politics.
-- Ken Mehlman, chairman Republican National Convention
His drive to win was always connected to achievements on behalf of his constituents. He gave it everything he had, as long as he was doing it.
-- Tucker Eskew, former Campbell spokesman
Nothing, not even a brute named Hugo was more powerful than Carroll Campbell. ... He'll also be remembered as a man who faced his final years with courage and humility. ... Like his friend Ronald Reagan, Carroll Campbell faced the sunset of his life with faith, knowing he was being lifted up on a thousand whispered prayers. ... Carroll Campbell taught us all about leadership ... and in later years he taught us all about courage in dealing with his disease.
-- U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, a Greenville native and former Republican House Speaker
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