Lloyd Millard Bentsen Jr.

February 11, 1921– May 23, 2006

What others Democrats are saying about a great Texas Democratic leader

Click Here for a wonderful audio and video tribute.

"For three decades he was the central figure in keeping Texas a two-party state. And he did it with dignity and civility that did not create an atmosphere of open warfare between the two political parties." - Jack Martin, a former aide and campaign manager

"He not only achieved a lot but took advantage to make his state, his nation and the world better." - Nephew and former U.S. Rep. Ken Bentsen

“By any stead, he ranks as one of the outstanding economic policymakers in this country since World War II" - President Clinton

"The state of Texas has had great senators but no senator has ever been a better senator than Lloyd Bentsen." - Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid

"He was such an extraordinary leader and public servant. He had a great presence that filled up any room that he walked into." - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton

"I loved Lloyd Bentsen. He was a great guy, very smart. He was sort of the last of a breed of Texans, in an LBJ sort of way, socially liberal, fiscally conservative, but recognizing that government can really help make society better." - Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who served with Bentsen.

“Lloyd Bentsen represented the very best of the greatest generation. In World War II, he helped save the world as a young aviator and then spent the rest of his life making it a better place for us all. Whether as Texas’ youngest Congressman, as a powerful U.S. Senator or as a respected Secretary of the Treasury, he was a role model of intelligent, thoughtful and effective leadership. ” - Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco

"He was a moderate Democrat at a time when both parties seemed to be electing people from the extreme. He would seek the middle ground and was not interested in pushing ideology." - Former U.S. Rep. Martin Frost, D-Dallas

"Lloyd Bentsen personified the word ‘statesman,’ and he will be sorely missed," Bell told reporters. " - Former Rep. and Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Bell

"The nation and Texas have lost a remarkable leader. Many of us credit Lloyd Bentsen with our success and our inspiration." - Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards.

“Texas has lost a great leader today. The passing of Senator Lloyd Bentsen is a tragic loss to the citizens of Texas and the citizens of this great nation. Sen. Bentsen was a man who put service to his state and country before all." - Boyd Richie, Texas Democratic Party Chair

"Senator Bentsen was a great statesman and role model for me and so many. I was honored to have had the opportunity to get to know him while we traveled the country campaigning for the vice presidency. His footprints of statesmanship on local, state, national and international politics will long be remembered."- State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston

"Texas, our nation and the entire world lost a tremendous leader. In South Texas, we lost one of our greatest native sons." - State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo

"Lloyd Bentsen was a true statesman whose very name became synonymous with good and fair government. His lifetime of public service left Texas and Houston better places than he found them. His wisdom will be missed. My prayers go out to the entire Bentsen family."
- State Rep. Garnet F. Coleman, D-Houston.

"He wanted to have a list every week of (constituent) cases we hadn't responded to and why. He didn't pass the buck. That's one of the things that stuck with me." - Former aide and state Rep. Richard Raymond, D-Laredo.

Bentsen is survived by his wife, Beryl Ann; sons, Lloyd III and Lan; a daughter , Tina Bentsen Smith; and seven grandchildren

Quotes assembled from a variety of press sources including the Associated Press, Austin American-Statesman, Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Morning News.