What Republicans Have to Say about Congresswoman Julia Carson

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette published this piece today with comments from Carson’s Republican colleagues.

Governor Mitch Daniels:

Gov. Mitch Daniels called Rep. Julia Carson, D-7th, “a pioneer. This is a legend we’re talking about, a great woman. Quite apart from her contributions to public service, just a great person.”

Congressman Mike Pence:

Rep. Mike Pence, R-6th, called Carson “a worthy opponent and a fierce advocate for the interests of her district.”

He said she was also an “example of Christian kindness even toward those with whom she disagreed. Julia Carson is always the same: a champion for her cause on the floor of the House and a friend on the stroll back to our offices after the debate was over.”

Pence said he and Carson often disagreed on issues, but “I cherish the times that we worked together on issues ranging from voting rights to the cause of ending prison recidivism. In opposition or agreement, her faith is always evident. Even during the challenging times of the past few years, she was never heard to complain or indulge in self-pity. Whenever I, or anyone, would ask about her condition, she would give the same reply, ‘I’m blessed by the best!’ ”

Congressman Mark Souder:

Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd, who entered Congress two years before Carson’s 1996 election, said she will be missed on Capitol Hill.

“Julia’s relatively quiet style was underestimated outside her congressional district, but she was a force in her own way. I’ve always found her to be kind, compassionate and cooperative. Whenever I saw her around the Capitol, she was always friendly and warm.”

Congressman Dan Burton:

Rep. Dan Burton, R-5th, whose district abuts Carson’s, said that even though they are from different political parties, “I have always enjoyed working with Julia to serve central Indiana, and I hold her in high regard. She is a kind, wonderful woman.”

Senator Dick Lugar:

“Eight years ago, Julia Carson and I worked together on successful legislation to expand access to the then-underused and not well known Children’s Health Insurance Program,” said Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind.

He said the comments Carson made at that time “exemplified her typical compassion for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable of our community: ‘Money alone will not solve America’s health care challenges. We must maximize our existing resources by being more creative and aggressive in our outreach efforts and making it easier for families to tap into these benefits. We all know that children who do not get routine, preventative health care will not reach their full potential. We simply cannot afford to put our children at that disadvantage.’ Hoosiers deeply appreciate her remarkable advocacy.”