http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=1994363&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312 Former Democratic Sen. Lloyd Bentsen Dies Former Senator, Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen Dies; Famously Admonished Quayle in '88 Debate By WENDY BENJAMINSON HOUSTON May 23, 2006 (AP)— Former Senator and Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen, a courtly Texan who as the Democrats' vice presidential nominee in 1988 famously told rival Dan Quayle he was "no Jack Kennedy," died Tuesday. He was 85. Bentsen, who represented the state in Congress for 28 years, died at his Houston home, his family said. He had been under a doctor's care since a stroke several years ago, according to longtime aide Bill Maddox. Bentsen's distinguished political career took him from the humble beginnings of a county office in the Rio Grande Valley in the 1940s to six years in the U.S. House, 22 in the Senate and two as President Clinton's first treasury secretary, when he was instrumental in directing the administration's economic policy. National ambitions led him to seek the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination, a race he quickly abandoned after gaining little support. Returning his attention to the Senate, Bentsen cemented his expertise in tax, trade and economic issues as well as foreign affairs. By 1988, Bentsen was one of the Senate's most respected voices. That year, Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis tapped the elder statesman as his running mate. As the GOP nominee, Vice President George W. Bush chose Quayle, a second-term Indiana senator and former congressman, as his running-mate. In the Oct. 5, 1988, vice presidential debate, Quayle said: "I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency." Bentsen's retort in the televised event caused a sensation. "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy," he said. "I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy." But the Dukakis-Bentsen ticket went down hard, losing 40 states including Texas to the Bush-Quayle team. A shrewd legislative operator, the silver-haired politician maneuvered with ease in Democratic and Republican circles alike on Capitol Hill, crafting deals behind the scenes in a dispassionate, reserved fashion. ... more on web page... ------------------------- I remember seeing that debate. Some of you youngsters may have never heard of this great man. Is that part of 59 between 288 and 610 still named after him? I don't travel Houston around there that often.
Bentsen was a great politician and one of his many memorable moments came in his debate with Quayle..."You're no Jack Kennedy..." Classic... RIP
