July 22, 2000
Web posted at: 10:06 p.m. EDT (0206 GMT)
ATLANTA (CNN) -- Democrats and Republicans put aside their partisan differences as they paid their last respects to Sen. Paul Coverdell. They called the late lawmaker a peacemaker and workhorse who brought a touch of comity to the often discordant world of politics.
"He was the kind of man your mama wanted you to grow up to be and, until you met Paul Coverdell, you did not know that was possible," said Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas, who delivered one of several eulogies at the somber memorial service for the Georgia Republican who died at age 61 on Tuesday after suffering a stroke.
The service drew a host of political dignitaries and Atlanta luminaries, including Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who was relying on Coverdell as his point man in the Senate during his campaign for the presidency. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, and former senator and 1996 GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole also attended the service, at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
At the request of Coverdell's widow, Nancy, the service was brief -- slightly more than an hour of tributes, prayer and song.
Mixed emotions at memorial service Clyde Rodbell, a longtime friend who delivered another of the eulogies, recalled that Coverdell did not like to attend funeral services "and he certainly would not have liked to attend this one."
His comments drew laughs, but sadder emotions prevailed as several speakers choked up, recalling the everyday kindness and humble grace of a man who rose from a middle-class background to serve seven years in the U.S. Senate.
Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes recalled that Coverdell served as his mentor when both were in the State Senate, even though they served in opposing parties.
Calling Coverdell's currency "trust and competency," Barnes said his regard for the man transcended political labels.
"We exchanged secrets, as friends always do, and I never worried," Barnes said.
Former President Bush send a written eulogy in which he expressed his gratitude to Coverdell for assisting his son's campaign.
Gov. Bush, who flew in from deliberations at his Texas ranch over a running mate, did not speak during the service but said afterwards, "Laura and I are here to honor our friend and to pay our last respects, and may the good Lord bless Senator Coverdell and his family. That is all I've got to say."
'Most appreciated man in the Senate'
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, called Coverdell "the most appreciated man in the Senate because of his kindness and his courtesy.
"Never did Paul Coverdell engage in partisan behavior. He fought hard for the principles and things he believed in. He did them without rancor and (with) respect. He was loved by all of us."
Coverdell began his political career in 1970 when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate and where he served as minority leader for 15 years. In 1989 he served as director of the Peace Corps under President Bush, in 1992 he won his first term to the U.S. Senate and was re-elected in 1998.
"He believed passionately in America," said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Fighting back tears, Rep. Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia, said Coverdell would long be remembered.
"He's going to be missed by everybody in this state."
Barnes is expected to appoint a Democrat to fill Coverdell's vacancy until a special election on November 7.