Senator Jennings Randolph

A senator from West Virginia

(Updated - 2008-04-22)

TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JENNINGS RANDOLPH OF WEST VIRGINIA

• Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, retired U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph of West Virginia will be 94 years old on March 8, 1996.
• On this occasion, on behalf of myself and all West Virginians, I wish a happy 94th birthday to Senator Randolph, and we wish him many happy returns of the day.
• Senator Randolph served the great State of West Virginia for 40 years, beginning in 1933--during Franklin Roosevelt's first 100 days as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Senator Randolph served in the House of Representatives from 1933 to 1947, and then, served in the U.S. Senate from 1958 until his retirement in 1984.
• Known for his courtly manner and as the epitome of a southern gentleman, Senator Randolph could also be tenacious and unyielding as a proponent of the working men and women of West Virginia and the Nation. As a strong supporter of President Franklin Roosevelt's depression-era legislative remedies, he also followed another Roosevelt's maxim. It was Teddy Roosevelt who cautioned: Speaker softly, but carry a big stick. Even though Senator Randolph had a true orator's voice when he spoke on the floor, during meetings, or in public speeches to his constituents, it was during his one-on-one dealings with his colleagues that he used his softest voice, folded his massive hands into a supplicant's gesture, his words while gentle conveying that he said what he meant and meant what he said.
• This philosophy that a soft voice turneth away wrath was especially evident when it came to legislation that addressed the needs of the coal miners in his State and throughout the country, and when he spoke for all blue collar workers everywhere whose rights he protected with every fiber of his being.
• He never backed away from a fight over spending priorities either in the House, the Senate, or when confronted by one of the 10 Presidents under whom he served during his 40-year tenure of service to West Virginia.
• Senator Randolph loved the House and the Senate, serving 14 and 26 years respectively in both bodies, and he did so with distinction. He was a legislator of integrity and style. He deserves the respect and admiration of all of us for the outstanding job that he did and the many contributions he made to both institutions.
• If he were here today, he would be out in front, leading all those who can be heard calling for an end to name calling and for complete civility between and among Members of both the House and the Senate as they conduct the people's business. Senator Randolph was a stickler for correct demeanor at all times, and for keeping the House and the Senate in proper order. On the Senate floor he was often heard to call for order in the Senate. He strongly believed that Members of the Senate should come to the floor and vote from their seats--calmly and quietly--rather than milling about on the floor and in the well. And, of course, they seldom did so.
• I am as much in awe of Senator Randolph's life of public service as I was when, in 1976, I was about to be sworn in as the then-youngest Member of the House of Representatives, and my respect for his achievements has but grown over the years.
• More than anything else, I am proud to be associated as a West Virginian and as a Member of this House, with his record of leadership. The record will show that he acted always with clarity of thought; that he believed deeply in the inherent abilities and talents that lie within every American.
• Senator Randolph was able to lead others, never through outrageous or revolting words or deeds, or through bellicosity or belligerence, but simply with an honest expression of confidence made quietly, a silent gesture or salute, or a humorous anecdote. And, if absolutely necessary, a gentle rebuke.
• Senator Randolph treated each of us with the characteristic wit and wisdom of a true gentleman, embodying the finest traditions of the House and the Senate, and of this great country, which he loved dearly.
• Senator Randolph now lives in a personal care home in St. Louis, MO near his eldest son Jay Randolph, and his grandchildren.
• Again, Senator Jennings Randolph, happy 94th birthday.