Talent was probably my favorite senator, and the ideal of what a politician ought to be. Unassuming, humble, and fully engaged in the business of serving those he represented without fanfare or grandstanding. And he was unafraid to defend difficult causes or, occasionally, wander outside the mainstream (such as his quest against Sickle Cell). Excellent senator and, in my opinion, are most significant loss of the midterms.
I totally agree and I was depressed for a month after he lost.
Ashcroft a good man too, but trashed.
How Bond has survived as Senator from Missouri for so long, I'll never understand.