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Originally I had planned on ranting about all the negative things being said at the passing of Ted Stevens yesterday.

However after some deep reflection I decided to talk about the good things that I will always hold in my heart for the gentlemen I had the privilege of knowing.

The thing that I had been best known for was calling Ted a “caring gentleman” during a press conference. It still rings true for me now.

Ted was always a delightful host…whether at his office in Alaska, D.C. and especially when I had the privilege of being invited into his home.

Ted was always a dynamo…being half his age I was always impressed that I had to rush to keep up with him wherever he went. He was also always quick on the upkeep of current events too.

It was both fun and challenging to shoo out the bats in his home, then sharing cigars afterwards.

I remember when Ted and Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii held a panel for veterans issues and I was able to sit & listen to two longtime friends talk about their experiences as soldiers in World War II.

I remember being honored when I was contacted by Williams and Connolly LLP to be a witness in Ted’s defense. I was also humbled when someone bumped me out of the witness list…Gen. Colin Powell. His testimony was incredible and much better than I could have spoken to.

I remember the election, good friends, lots of laughs and celebrations in campaign headquarters on Fireweed as well as the Snow Goose and Egan Center downtown.

In my dealings with Ted, he always showed an unmatched level of courtesy and respect to myself and my friends…something I rarely from other politicians men.

To Catherine, Lily, Ben, Walter, Ted, Susan, and Beth my heart goes out to you all…he was a great man.

Know that he will be missed.

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