Former Sen. Domenici’s Statement on Death of Sen. Robert Byrd

Former Sen. Pete Domenici, a New Mexico Republican who served 36 years, issued the following statement on the death of Sen. Robert Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat who died Sunday at age 92.

I thought of Domenici when I read news stories yesterday that recalled Byrd’s unparalleled skill in funneling money to his state. Domenici makes note of that skill – “a part of the senator’s duty to his state” – in his statement.

“I worked with Senator Byrd for my entire 36 years in
the Senate.  Above all else, I found him a man that one could trust
implicitly.  He and I both served on the Senate Appropriations Committee
for many years, where he was a strong advocate for his home state.  He and
I both supported local projects for our impoverished states and believed that
‘earmarks’ were not only legitimate, but part of the
Senator’s duty to his state.

When history is finally written of the United States Senate
there is little doubt in my mind that he will go down as one of the greatest of
all. He knew the rules and he played by them. He knew the issues and he fought
for them. He understood America’s greatness and he heralded it. But most
of all, he seemed to always remember the working men and women of his state and
this country. He will be missed. I must say, thank you Robert for your
friendship and all you did for me and all of us.”