Remembering Lee Sherman Dreyfus
Sad to hear that former Republican Gov. Dreyfus passed away.
I found him reasonable, thoughtful, welcoming - - and something of a risk-taker when he agreed to help progressives in the other party to defeat a flawed lousy piece of tax-restricting legislation known as TABOR - - only to earn the wrath of local talk radio hosts who disrespectfully mocked their successful elder as King of the RINOS (Republicans in Name Only).
I seem to remember the Sykes show having silly radio fun by playing at the mention of Dreyfus' name a sound effect of a bellowing rhino, getting back at Dreyfus for having had the temerity to break ranks with his narrow-minded and defeatist GOP brethren.
Dreyfus and I ran into each other at a downtown meeting a few years ago, and we kept up a discussion started there about European history, ethnicities and countries of origin.
He was a nice guy, something unusual in politics, and I suspect I'm just one of many who will miss his brand of joyful, non-partisan statesmanship.
1 comment:
I spent over a year interviewing Lee and his wife Joyce, their son, grandkids, and campaign managers to create the documentary film, "The Man in the Red Vest". The film aired statewide on PBS and on local access stations throughout the state. I hope you all can take a minute today to phone or email your local TV stations and request that the rerun the program.
Milwaukee's PBS is 414-271-1036.
You may view a clip from the film at www.youtube.com/jimmuraco
Thank you and rest in peace Governor.
Jim Muraco
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