In praise of Senator Daniel Webster

Florida Baptist Witness sought comments about Sen. Daniel Webster from various persons who know him. Those comments are excerpted here, along with other praise offered on behalf of Webster in his retirement from the Florida Legislature.

It’s appropriate to note here, a statement from Webster’s Senate Web site: “I would like to acknowledge that any accomplishments I may have achieved come only from the investment that God and others have made in my life.”

• “I am only one of an army of people in Tallahassee who have been shaped by his example. It’s been an example of not do as I say, but do as I do. Access and fairness to all, period! In these days of saying farewell, many of my colleagues have stepped forward and testified that they, too, have yearned to be like Sen. Webster.”
Bill Bunkley, legislative consultant, Florida Baptist Convention, former candidate for Florida House of Representatives

• “The thing about Dan that is so different is that unlike so many others, he is the same man with the same wife, and the same values, and the same commitment to God, family and country that he had 28 years ago in 1980 when he first was elected.”
John Stemberger, president, Florida Family Policy Council

• “Sen. Webster has been a great light in a dark world. He, more than anyone I know, has influenced the culture of the Florida Legislature for the cause of Christ. Not only has he been a mentor and encourager for many like me, he has been a witness to his peers and has earned the respect of his opponents because of the compassion, humility, and consistency of his life. He will be sorely missed in the Florida legislature …”
Former State Rep. Dennis Baxley, executive director, Florida Christian Coalition

• “After 28 years in public service, Sen. Webster leaves not only with a slate of many great legislative achievements as a result of the laws and policies he sponsored, but he also leaves the legislature with the most important accomplishments: a good name, an impeccable reputation, and the respect and honor reserved for a true statesmen.”
Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie)

• “I’ve never known anybody who is as principled. I’ve never known anybody who is as unshakeable in what they thought was fairness. And I’ve never known anybody who is as inclusive in making sure that everybody felt they were important.”
Sen. Jim King (R-Jacksonville) during Senate tribute to Webster

• “Sen. Webster is one of the most decent human beings I’ve ever met. I believe his tongue would fall out if he tried to tell a lie.”
Senate Minority Leader Steve Geller (D-Hallandale Beach), reading his letter nominating Webster for a National Conference of State Legislatures award during Senate tribute to Webster