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Capito: Byrd Was Woven Into the Very Fabric of the State He Served

The United States Senate has lost an icon, and the people of West Virginia a beloved son who was woven into the very fabric of our state.

[IMGCAP(1)]Sen. Robert Byrd’s (D) mastery of the Senate will be remembered for the ages, but those who knew him best realize his legacy will be one of love for the West Virginians he served for nearly 57 years. Whether he is remembered as the young man who played the fiddle or the elder statesman who carried a copy of the Constitution in the pocket next to his heart, Robert Byrd touched the lives of countless West Virginians. His service to West Virginia and dedication to our nation’s democracy set an example to which generations can aspire.

I will never forget the advice he gave me as I sought his counsel as a new Congresswoman: “Shelley, you need to be a workhorse, not a show horse.”

Sen. Byrd will always be remembered for his hard work and dedication to representing the great state of West Virginia. Whether appropriating funding for a new highway or rallying the delegation to save the 130th Airlift Wing, Sen. Byrd put his heart and soul into his work. He of course will be remembered for his influence and ability to drive change across the nation, but most importantly people will remember and always admire him for his courage, wisdom and humility.

We pray for his family and take comfort in knowing he has gone home for the last time to join his beloved Erma in the presence of God.

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R) represents West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional district. Her father, Arch Moore, a contemporary of Sen. Robert Byrd’s, served 14 years in the House and 12 years as governor of West Virginia.

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