I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the passing of Nancy Kassebaum Baker, the first woman elected to the US Senate without following a spouse into office. She was 94, and I’ve got to say, what a life she led. Born in Kansas, she was the daughter of a governor and became a politician in her own right, serving three terms in the Senate. Her son, Bill Kassebaum, said she loved Kansas and loved representing the state, and that she was an independent-minded Republican who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she thought was right, even if it meant going against the party.
I’m looking at her picture, and she looks like the kind of person who would tell it like it is. Her son said she was an independent-minded Republican, and I think that’s something we could use more of these days. She was elected to the Senate in 1978 and served until 1997, and during that time, she worked with senators from all parties. She even co-sponsored a health insurance law with liberal Senator Ted Kennedy, which is pretty impressive if you ask me.
Kassebaum Baker was also known for being a moderate, and she never seemed to get caught up in the trappings of power. When she retired from the Senate, she said she’d rather cuddle up and do needlepoint all day, which makes me laugh. I mean, who wouldn’t want to retire and spend their days doing something they love? She was born on July 29, 1932, and grew up in a political family. Her father, Alf Landon, was the governor of Kansas and even ran for president in 1936.
As I’m reading about her life, I’m struck by how much she accomplished. She was a radio-station executive, worked on the staff of a Kansas senator, and even served on the school board in her local community. And then, of course, she was elected to the Senate, where she became known for her moderate politics and her willingness to work with both parties. She was a true public servant, and it’s clear that she loved her state and her country.
I’m looking at a picture of her with President Bill Clinton and Senator Ted Kennedy, and it’s amazing to think about all the history she was a part of. She was a key player in the passage of the 1996 health insurance law, and she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Kansans. And even after she retired from the Senate, she continued to serve the public, working on a bipartisan commission on campaign finance reform and even serving on a British commission in Africa.
It’s also interesting to note that she broke with the Republican Party later in life, endorsing Democratic candidates for governor and senator in Kansas. And in 2021, she even called for President Trump’s impeachment after the attack on the US Capitol. That takes a lot of courage, and I’ve got to admire her for speaking her mind.
As I finish my coffee, I’m thinking about what a remarkable woman Nancy Kassebaum Baker was. She lived a full life, dedicated to public service and to making the world a better place. And even though she’s gone, her legacy will live on. So here’s to Nancy Kassebaum Baker – may she rest in peace, and may we all strive to be a little more like her. 😊
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
