Native Son
So Ron Kirk is praising Pete Laney, who he knew from his days as a lobbyist for the City of Dallas, as Secretary of State and Mayor.
And he tells the story of how he was in Pete's office on the last day of the session more than a decade ago, visiting with him. It was before Laney became Speaker and this was a social occasion. There were at least a dozen Hale Center constituents also milling around the office, celebrating the end of the session, enjoying some finger food and drinks.
Then the phone rang and Laney was needed on the House floor, and so he made his apologies and headed to the chamber. And Kirk said he looked around at who was left in the room and it dawned on him that not a lot of these small-town West Texas folks knew people that, well, looked like him.
But one good ol' boy came up and said hi, and introduced himself. "I'm Billy Bob, and this is Billy Joe Bob, and this is Bobby Joe Bob..." Kirk recalled.
And when the introductions were through, Kirk stuck out his own hand. "Hello," he said impishly. "I'm Ron Laney."
He helpfully explained that his mother used to work for Pete, and how nice Pete had been in helping him get into law school and, after that paving the way for a real, fine job.
Then, he said good-bye to a rather stunned and silent crowd and left.
Kirk said he hadn't gotten far, and had only just begun wondering if his joke had gone too far, when his pager began vibrating. Laney wanted to meet him outside the House Chamber. Now.
It was a long walk, Kirk recalled. Not a long distance. Just a long walk.
When he got there, Laney was waiting.
He looked at Kirk and said, "Son, most of them were pretty sure you were lying, but it didn't stop all the women from calling back home."
All was forgiven.
Kirk concluded that Laney has personified for him wisdom, humility and a sense of honor. Of not speaking the gospel so much, but living it.
And then he looked out at the crowd.
"I've never been prouder to be your son than I am today."