Burlington, VT. (August 18th, 2014)- Rep. Peter Welch made the following statement on the passing of former United States Senator and Congressman James Jeffords:
“I know I share the view of all Vermonters today in expressing condolences to the family of Senator Jim Jeffords on his passing, and our gratitude to him for his life of service.
While Jim would certainly wave away the notion, he was indeed a legend in Vermont and the nation. With characteristic decency, humility and civility, and a dogged persistence, he made his mark in Congress. Millions of children with disabilities are better off today because he lead the charge for their equal access to education. Americans are breathing cleaner air and drinking cleaner water because of his fierce advocacy for the environment and clean energy. And budding artists across the nation receive the boost of his encouragement every year thanks to his legacy as the founder of the annual Congressional Arts Competition.
And, in 2001, the world saw what his fellow Vermonters already knew: Jim Jeffords, above all, had the courage of his convictions.
Jim and his wife, Liz Daley Jeffords, were mentors to me in my early days in the House of Representatives. I am deeply grateful to them both for their friendship, their support and their contributions to Vermont and our country.”
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Jahala Dudley
Press Assistant/ Staff Assistant
Office of Congressman Welch
Impressive Since Day One
On May 24th, 2001, Lise and I were driving up to Brattleboro to look for a place to live.
As we crossed the Vermont state line, we heard on the news that a Vermont Senator had switched parties, from Republican to Independent, breaking a 50-50 tie in the Senate and giving Democrats control.
It was stunning news, and a political face-slap to Cheney, Bush, and the Republican leadership. It took guts to do something that would have such large ramifications.
We were impressed by this Republican turned Independent, for standing up for what he believed in.
We knew then that we had made an excellent choice choosing Vermont as a new home. Jim Jeffords told us so.
Yes!
Senator Jeffords’ courage and convictions were inspirational. I remember trying to convey to my then 7-year-old son that the Senator’s action was one of the most outstanding demonstrations of leadership in my lifetime.
RIP Jim Jeffords.