First of an occasional series on Members of Congress who made history that still effects us today. This one is dedicated to former Senate GOP Leader Everett Dirksen.
"A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you're talking real money." Dirksen may or may not have uttered that phrase attributed to him, but it fits him well. One of the things Dirksen deserved credit for was how he rallied Republican support to the 1964 Civil Rights bill. LBJ called and asked for help when it became obvious there were not enough Democrats to support the bill. Dirksen rallied the Republicans and one of the country's transformational laws was passed.
"A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you're talking real money." Dirksen may or may not have uttered that phrase attributed to him, but it fits him well. One of the things Dirksen deserved credit for was how he rallied Republican support to the 1964 Civil Rights bill. LBJ called and asked for help when it became obvious there were not enough Democrats to support the bill. Dirksen rallied the Republicans and one of the country's transformational laws was passed.
Great article, Kelly.
Thanks, Mark, this was fun to write, and the Dirksen Center was even more fun to visit.