In 1978 I took part in my first election and had the privilege of voting for Sen. Helms. He had a long, distinguished and honorable life. I will mourn his passing but I will also celebrate his many accomplishments.
I turned 18 in 1984 and cast my first vote that November. I cast my first ever vote for President Ronald Reagan. The next race on the ballot was for US Senate (Helms vs. Hunt) and Sen. Helms received that vote. Does it get any better for your first ever votes to go to President Reagan and Sen. Helms?!
All the other votes I have cast since that day pale in comparison...
I had the honor to meet Sen. Helms on a few occasions and he was a good, honorable and decent man. America lost a true patriot today.