Don't you remember Strom Thurmond?!
Strom Thurmond was a great American. Not only was he a brilliant politician but damned precious few Senators have served their State as well as Strom did South Carolina. Was Strom a flawed human being who was profoundly wrong on certain great issues or had serious character flaws? Well hell yea who isn't? Strom was undeniably wrong on his segregationist views but he was a product of his times and culture and to his credit he changed with the times, which is a hell of a lot more than most politicians do. He was also a worse philanderer by far then Bill Clinton, sept he had better taste. Strom only banged hotties! lol and he didn't give a damn what color they were...as long as they were hot! On his retirment the old coot told his colleagues in the Senate. I love you all, especially your wives! LOL
Though Strom didn't have much of a legislative record his record of constituent service is legend. He was notorious for calling up a widow, shortly after her husbands passing, to express his sincere condolences and he did so regardless of the widows race or political affiliation (and think how many re-elections that probably won him?).
Some of Stroms accomplishments.
Became a State Senator in 1932 (as a Democrat). The same year FDR was elected.
He landed on Normandy on D-Day as an Officer in the 82nd Airborn (and he was in his late 30's! Airborne training is enough to kill a man in his early 20's.)
He became state Governer 1946, as a Democrat.
He became the first man to ever become a US Senator, in 1946, as a write in candidate. (again as a Democrat)
Failed Presidential bid as a segregationist in 1948. Same year he broke the record in the Senate for the longest Filibuster when he opposed the voting rights act. A record which still stands and will probably never be broken due to rule changes in the Senate.
Left the Democrat party to become a Republican (of the Goldwater stripe) in 1964. Leading the way to two party rule in the solid south. This will probably be Stroms greatest legacy, as a Senator, as most southernors are now Republicans though the political situation doesn't even remotely resemble to old Dixiecrat yellow dog Democrat one party rule days.
Strom walked away from his segregationist past in the early 60's. He supported the Civil Right act of 1964. Was one of the first southern Senators (or Congressman) to employ Blacks on his staff. He also supported and advocated Martin Luther King, Jr day as a national holiday in the early 1980's.
I think the best story I heard about Strom was from a little old African American lady I met in Columbia. She was having problems collecting her social security benefits. She simply called up Stroms office in DC, talked to one of his staffers and with in days the problem was resolved. Strom was legendary for this type of service to his constituents.
Strom's public career can be sumed up briefly in his own words. He was honest, patriotic and dedicated.