Proxmire Proxmire

Senator Proxmire died this month. Rebel Democrat, political maverick, crusader of fairness, I only just learned about this titan of goodness today. William Proxmire was one of the truly noble men of Congress. He actually refused campaign contributions! In fact, for the '76 and '82 campaigns he spent more than half of his total campaign funds on the stamps for the envelopes containing the RETURNED CHECKS! He proved -- way back then -- you don't need the war chest. It can be done! You can serve and promote your services through your deeds. I can't help thinking it could be done today even. Dean got something started with his [sorta] grassroots website thing, but he was totally taking contributions. They say it has to be done, but PROXMIRE proved 'em wrong 30 years ago ... Prox also jogged to work. How bout that? He was a known sight in DC for years, my grandfather being one of the many who used to shout, "Good morning Senator!" while driving by. After his Senator days, he had an office at the James Madison Memorial Building where he worked daily on his book projects. But this was after a long warrior-for-the-greater-good career in Washington, even speaking against LBJ as a Freshman Senator! That takes a pair of rocks. He spoke out as the conscience of the Senate, and his ilk is surely missed in this town. Lots and lots more on the man here and here. I'll give Ralph Nader the last eloquent word.