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As House historian, Smock helped close several offices in the 1980s and 1990s. He's now executive director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., which the senator established to house his records. A four-member staff has already amassed 800 cubic feet of boxes and anticipates another 2,000 cubic feet to arrive by September.
The daily grind of congressional work leaves little time for staff to think of the potential future value of a lawmaker's documents, Smock said. "That's when people like me come in," he said.
Byrd staffers first will identify the office's volumes of hearings, law books and other records that can be discarded unless personally tied to the senator. Most of the office furniture stays behind for the next occupant, unless Byrd originally owned it. Archiving photographs will occupy much of the time.
snip
The senator's insistence on keeping copies of every document sent or received by his office will add to the workload. Former press secretary Mike Willard recalled Byrd's particular concern for letters sent to constituents.
"He'd say, 'This may be the only letter that a person gets from a U.S. senator, I want it to be perfect,' " Willard recalled.
This is a horribly misguided effort to "Draft Joe."
Top West Virginia labor and business leaders are calling on Gov. Joe Manchin - who local Democrats say is highly interested in running for Senate - to reverse course and appoint himself to the seat held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.).
"We just strongly believe that he's the right person and we would certainly encourage him to reconsider that decision and in fact appoint himself," said Larry Matheney, the secretary and treasurer of the West Virginia AFL-CIO.
For one thing, they're forgetting the not-so-trivial detail that the Gov. cannot appointment himself. He'd have to make a dubious moral bargain with the designated Gov. successor whereby Manchin agreed to elevate someone else to Gov. in exchange for them naming him a US Senator.
That's a mighty big bite of a poisoned fruit for them both to begin new offices with.
If Manchin turns out to be the next Dem. party candidate for Senator, I would vote for him over any WVa Republican alternative I've ever seen, but I think this whole idea of back-room maneuvering to be interim successor just plain stinks.
Like many others, I've been thinking a lot this past week about what Sen. Robert Byrd has meant to me and, additionally, how to mark his passing. This morning I want to celebrate the legacy of Sen. Byrd I most hope will live on. I originally posted this diary on Oct 21, 2009. Sen. Byrd went further in Dec. 2009 in speaking forcefully about the benefits and costs of coal to West Virginia. This is but one of many topics that Sen. Byrd showed great courage in provided brave leadership on.
Big Daddy is gone. It's up to us now. Let's make him proud.
What most casual observers of Congress know about Senator Robert C. Byrd is he's the longest-serving member in the Senate's history and he's been incredibly successful at steering federal dollars to West Virginia.
(Political Science Professor) Rupp remembers a quote from former Democratic House speaker Jim Wright, D-Texas, that Byrd posted in his office near the Senate Appropriations Committee Room inside the Capitol. It said: "Bob is a living encyclopedia, and legislative graveyards are filled with the bones of those who underestimated him."
Time and time again, Sen. Byrd has delivered for West Virginia. The question of the moment is, what does Byrd think West Virginia needs in the next energy and climate bill?
WASHINGTON -- The Senate opened its doors for a final time Thursday for Robert C. Byrd, the West Virginian of humble origins who became a Senate fixture for nearly a quarter of the nation's history.
A military honor guard carried Byrd's casket up the Capitol steps, past the senator's portrait in a reception room and into the Senate chamber, where he was to lie in repose for six hours, allowing members of Congress and the public, many not born when he first entered the Senate 51 years ago, to pay their respects.
The flag-draped casket of Mr. Byrd was positioned on the Lincoln Catafalque in the well of the Senate, where for decades Mr. Byrd had argued his case as he sought money for his poor state of West Virginia, challenged presidents, opposed the Iraq war and sought to uphold the traditions and trappings of the Senate.
"Lord, we appreciate his wit and wisdom, his stories and music, as well as his indefatigable commitment to the principles of freedom that made American great," Dr. Barry C. Black, the Senate chaplain, said during a prayer in a private ceremony for senators and family before the doors to the Senate chamber were opened.
Byrd's flag draped coffin on the Senate floor is the Wall Street Journal's Photo of the Day.
The top of this site also has a black band at the top to signify our mourning. Rest in peace, Senator Byrd.
Condolences can be left at Senator Byrd's web site (just below the funeral information).
Update
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release June 30, 2010
DEATH OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Senator Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of the Senate, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
I also direct, that in honor and tribute to this great patriot, that the flag of the United States shall be displayed at full-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and Naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions on Independence Day, July 4, 2010. I further direct that on that same date, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at full-staff at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
10:30 a.m.
U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black will offer prayer
5:50 p.m.
Aircraft to arrive at Yeager Airport,
Charleston, West Virginia
6:00 p.m.
Casket transported to Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse,
300 Virginia Street, East
Public procession ending at West Virginia State Capitol
Casket moved to Capitol Rotunda
9:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight
Public viewing in Rotunda of State Capitol
FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010
12:01 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Public Viewing in Rotunda of State Capitol
11:30 a.m.
Memorial Service and Celebration of Life
West Virginia State Capitol
Capitol's North Plaza
12:30 p.m.
Memorial Service and Celebration of Life concludes
TUESDAY, JULY, 6, 2010
11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service
Memorial Baptist Church
A great man has just passed away and this is a time to mourn and to celebrate his life.
How does one begin to replace the irreplaceable Senator? For 50 years, Senator Byrd has been there for us.
Nate Silver at 538 has details on his call to the Secretary of State's Office.
Glance told me that no decision has been made yet on when a special election would be held to replace Robert Byrd, who passed away early this morning. Various interpretations of the law might require the special election to be held this November -- or not until November, 2012, when Byrd's term was set to expire anyway.
"There are a lot of sections on state code that apply to this kind of thing and we're examining each one of them and we'll be making an announcement soon," Glance told me. "We just need to make sure that what we say fits this specific situation."
Once there is a decision by the Secretary of State's office, then much of the short-term and possibly the long-term answer to the replacement question will come from Gov. Joe Manchin (D).
In an unfortunately timed Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article on Sunday, Manchin described his ambitions:
Lately, he's been preparing for a different role. Manchin, 62, is considering a Senate run should Robert Byrd, 92, the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, decide not to seek a 10th term in 2012.
snip
"Do I have a desire to serve? Absolutely. I want to put myself in the best position I can to serve my state," he said.
Manchin is a Democrat though he is far more "centrist," as he describes himself, or "conservative," as others might describe him, than I would prefer.
If a short-term replacement is needed for Byrd, Manchin will appoint a Democrat who would serve until either a special election is held for the seat this year or in 2012 when Byrd's term would have expired, depending on the ruling from Secretary of State Natalie Tennant,another popular Democrat in West Virginia.
I've seen elsewhere of people discussing Republicans having a chance to win this seat. The reality is that the Republican Party may be winning West Virginia in presidential races, but every statewide office is held by Democrats, from the governor to the secretary of agriculture, and four of the five Congressional caucus members are Democrats. The lone Republican in Congress, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, could make a bid to run for the Senate, but the Republicans are overwhelmingly outnumbered in the State Senate and House of Delegates. The state GOP has no bench of candidates who can seriously challenge either Manchin or any number of potential Democratic candidates who might choose to run for the U.S. Senate.
As I commented earlier, Senator Byrd was called home before his work was done because his work will never be finished. It is up to another to pick up the banner and lead the charge forward for progress. It is up to us to continue Senator Byrd's message and his work. The Senator has earned his eternal rest. We have not.
The replacement for Senator Byrd should carry on his work as an honest broker regarding coal, as an advocate for improving mine safety, as an advocate for the Constitution and all of the people of West Virginia.
Who that person is and whether they will serve in the interim or run for election in 2010 or 2012 is yet to be determined by the state officials.
But one thing is for certain: we'll never see the likes of Senator Byrd again. Big Daddy was one of a kind. He will be missed.
STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD (D-W.Va.)
IN OPPOSITION TO "MURKOWSKI DISAPPROVAL RESOLUTION"
"I believe that the measure that we are being asked to vote upon today is extreme. The Murkowski Resolution before us today is being presented to the Senate in a most unusual fashion. A "Disapproval Resolution" limits this great institution's ability to conduct an open and thorough debate. This measure prohibits Senators from offering amendments. For those keeping score at home, in this political climate, it is usually the members of the minority party who are blasting the majority party for not allowing amendments on any and every measure that is brought to the Senate floor for debate. Yet, the Resolution offered by Senator Murkowski, a member of the minority party, with co-sponsors who are mostly members of the minority party, suppresses debate on this very important topic."
"Now, I would be the first one to argue in this chamber that it is the members of the legislative branch who should be setting policy concerning the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. We should be doing that. If we are serious about addressing this issue, all of us in this body should, in a bipartisan manner, debate and move forward as soon as possible on a comprehensive energy policy, including a discussion of climate change issues."
"The Senate owes it to the American people to do something other than hold a political vote on the Murkowski "Disapproval Resolution," which has zero prospects for enactment. Even if it did pass the Senate, the House Leadership has indicated that it would not bring it to the floor for a vote, and the President has issued a veto threat. Even if it did pass, it would not alleviate our well-founded uncertainty about the future."
"Many leaders in Congress and around the Nation have been hard at work for the past several years in designing federal energy legislation that will ensure a better future for America's coal miners and other workers, while also making long-overdue investments in new, high-growth American industries."
"The Congress should be debating a new energy policy that makes the best possible use of our abundant coal reserves while transitioning America into a position less dependent on foreign oil, less beholden to the special interests of giant multi-national corporations, and more responsive and proactive in meeting Americans' desire for cleaner and more abundant sources of energy. I understand that the Senate Democratic Leadership is willing to move forward on an energy bill that includes a clear-cut pre-emption for action by the Environmental Protection Agency."
"I have been working with many of my colleagues to help shape a bill that will be good for the future of coal and the coal industry in my home State of West Virginia. Having a seat at the table and being open to discussions on these matters has enabled me to add provisions relating to clean coal technologies, job creation, and transitions to new jobs to proposed legislation. And I have secured commitments to provide billions of dollars for constructing the next generation of cleaner coal-fired power plants, and am currently negotiating for billions more to support businesses and job creation in the West Virginia region, as well as to improve highways, broadband access, and other critical infrastructure and economic development services for the people, entrepreneurs, and businesses that will make West Virginia stronger in the future. These provisions are beneficial for my home state of West Virginia and for the people of the entire Appalachia region."
"The Murkowski "Disapproval Resolution" overturns the "endangerment finding." This in essence is like voting to assert that there is no climate change or global warming going on, and to dismiss scientific facts that already exist. As I have pointed out before, to deny the mounting science of climate change is to stick our heads in the sand and say "deal me out." West Virginia needs to stay at the table, as should all Senators who have concerns about our energy policy."
"Finally, mark my words, the regulation of greenhouse gasses is approaching, whether done by Congress or by regulation, despite naysayers who rail about the non-existence of climate change."
"This Resolution, I fear, would have a sweeping impact. It could preclude action to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. It could delay critical investments in clean coal technologies. That's not a national energy strategy I can or want to support. My vote today against the Murkowski Resolution is a vote for coal's future and my intention to continue to have a seat at the table and a voice for West Virginia in how we legislate our energy future."
Senator Byrd's support of the Lieberman Amendment draws praise from Fairness West Virginia:
Charleston, WV-Fairness West Virginia (Fairness), the statewide Lesbian and Gay advocacy organization, applauds Sen. Robert Byrd for supporting the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Sen. Byrd just announced that he will support the legislation in the Senate Armed Forces Committee which will send the repeal to the Senate floor.
"Sen. Byrd takes a bold step to end the immoral and unjust practice of forcing dedicated American service members to lie about who they are," said Stephen Skinner, president of Fairness West Virginia. "We commend Sen. Byrd for his leadership on this important issue, and we urge the rest of the Congressional delegation to stand beside him."
"Sen. Byrd recognizes that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' runs counter to the military values of honor and integrity," said Skinner. "West Virginians are increasingly recognizing the basic humanity of all its citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. Sen. Byrd is recognizing that the courageous and patriotic gay Americans who are willing to die for their country deserve to serve with dignity and without fear."
Working with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Fairness organized town hall meetings across the state to educate the public about the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Fairness supporters have submitted hundreds of letter and emails, and made hundreds of calls to Sen. Byrd's office urging him to support repeal. Along with HRC, Fairness coordinated direct advocacy in Washington and Charleston, aimed at obtaining Senator Byrd's support for the repeal.
Fairness was launched nearly 14 months ago to advocate on behalf of all LGBT West Virginians in Charleston and Washington. Fairness also helped lobby for the Mathew Shepard Hate Crimes law which received support from the entire West Virginia delegation in Washington.
Often you have stood on the right side of history. Here is another chance for you to do that. Please support the Lieberman Amendment. The American people are overwhelmingly in favor of allowing gays to serve openly in the military. You have served our country so well for so long. Please give other Americans the chance to serve our country, too.
"As we seek to understand how and why the Upper Big Branch disaster occurred, we might also re-examine conventional wisdom about the future of the coal industry in our state." U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd.
The recent explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine in my home county of Raleigh, which killed 29 West Virginians and injured 2 others, has brought West Virginia statewide sorrow and worldwide attention.
Reflecting on President John F. Kennedy's death, Robert F. Kennedy once said, 'Tragedy is a tool for the living to gain wisdom.'
As we seek to understand how and why the Upper Big Branch disaster occurred, we might also re-examine conventional wisdom about the future of the coal industry in our state.
Americans depend mightily on our coal to meet their energy needs. Coal is the major source of electricity in 32 states, and produces roughly half of all the electricity consumed in the United States.
As West Virginians, our birthright is coal. The ancient fossil is abundant here, and is as emblematic of our heritage and cultural identity as the black bear, the cardinal, and the rhododendron.
Indeed, the coal severance tax codifies the philosophy that the coal belongs to all West Virginians, and that they deserve meaningful compensation for its extraction. This philosophy has also been embraced nationwide, through the Black Lung Excise Tax, the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee, and several other existing and proposed programs that provide additional compensation to the people and places that produce our coal, oil, gas, and other energy resources.
Coal brings much needed jobs and revenue to our economy. But the industry has a larger footprint, including inherent responsibilities that must be acknowledged by the industry.
First and foremost, the coal industry must respect the miner and his family. A single miner's life is certainly worth the expense and effort required to enhance safety. West Virginia has some of the highest quality coal in the world, and mining it should be considered a privilege, not a right. Any company that establishes a pattern of negligence resulting in injuries and death should be replaced by a company that conducts business more responsibly. No doubt many energy companies are keen for a chance to produce West Virginia coal.
The industry of coal must also respect the land that yields the coal, as well as the people who live on the land. If the process of mining destroys nearby wells and foundations, if blasting and digging and relocating streams unearths harmful elements and releases them into the environment causing illness and death, that process should be halted and the resulting hazards to the community abated.
The sovereignty of West Virginia must also be respected. The monolithic power of industry should never dominate our politics to the detriment of local communities. Our coal mining communities do not have to be marked by a lack of economic diversity and development that can potentially squelch the voice of the people. People living in coal communities deserve to have a free hand in managing their own local affairs and public policies without undue political pressure to submit to the desires of industry.
We have coal companies in West Virginia which go out of their way to operate safely and with minimal impact on our environment. Those companies should be commended and rewarded.
But the coal industry has an immensely powerful lobby in Washington and in Charleston. For nearly a hundred years they have come to our presidents, our members of Congress, our legislators, our mayors, and our county commissioners to demand their priorities. It is only right that the people of West Virginia speak up and make the coal industry understand what is expected of it in return.
The old chestnut that 'coal is West Virginia's greatest natural resource' deserves revision. I believe that our people are West Virginia's most valuable resource. We must demand to be treated as such.
Good afternoon, WvaBlue readers. This is your afternoon open thread to discuss all things Hill-related. Use this thread to praise or bash Congresscritters, share a juicy tip, ask questions, offer critiques and suggestions, or post manifestos.
As always, this is a crosspost from Congress Matters and I will refrain from my routine claim that this is the most important news of the day. That would be the what is happening in your own house this time of the year.
Sen. Byrd did not miss the vote today either, even thought it was finally just a majority wins event. His thoughts went to his friend Edward M. Kennedy.
It is importannt for people of this state to remember that on many important issues - from the rush to the Iraq war to the imperial presidency of George W. Bush to the need for honest discussion on mountaintop removal and the future of coal - Senator Robert C. Byrd has been a thoughtful and foresighted leader.
Senator Byrd is not a senator resting on his laurels, but one still looking ahead to what is best for our state and for our nation.
So when I see the braying Bray Cary and the coal barons' favorite sycophant Roman Stauffer criticize Senator Byrd, West Virginia Democrats should remember how right Senator Byrd has been on other important, major issues when he flew against the prevailing winds of the state.
The people of the nation and the state would have been much better off if they had listened to Senator Byrd's words in 2003 about the rush to war just as they should pay heed to his words today of the need for honest brokers when it comes to the future of coal.
Senator Byrd has made many foes in this state with his stance. Not that a giant like "Big Daddy" needs it, but I have Senator Byrd's back.
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