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Article: Paul Simon rose above fray of Illinois politics Senator dies at 75, a day after heart surgery
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- December 10, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2003 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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SPRINGFIELD--When Paul Simon was Illinois' lieutenant governor
more than three decades ago, he heard the call of a truck driver
griping about the state's pothole-pitted roads.
"The next thing you know, Paul volunteered to get in a truck and
drive across Illinois with the man. He did it," said Sen. Dick Durbin
(D-Ill.), a former Simon staffer and political protege.
The son of a Lutheran minister, Simon died unexpectedly Tuesday,
one day after undergoing heart surgery. His death ends a 56-year
career that began as crusading newspaper editor, moved into the U.S.
Senate and gained national prominence with his unsuccessful bid for
president in 1988.
Friends and colleagues who knew him best say ...