Brock Adams, Democrat

1927-2004
R.I.P.

I'll leave it to others to dwell on the cloudy circumstances that surrounded Brock Adams' departure from public life. The Brock Adams that served as a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, a Democratic Senator and a Democratic Cabinet Secretary - the Brock Adams that I knew - devoted his public life to fighting for the highest principles of the Democratic Party, and at this hour, it's time to honor that part of his life and legacy.

One personal story. The year Brock was elected to the Senate, 1986, was also the year I was elected to be President of the Young Democrats of Washington. Brock came to our convention, and instead of the usual hit and run appearance that candidates usually make at such events, he hung around, talked to people, showed real interest in our activities and our ideas.

When the events of the day were concluded, he joined us at a party hosted by a member who lived near the convention site. At the time, he was a double digit underdog in the polls, but he maintained a cheerful confidence that he could defeat the incumbent Republican, Slade Gorton. Put on the spot to account for that confidence, he took a long pull off a bottle of beer and smiled.

"I've got to beat him," the future Senator said. "Even his friends don't like him."

Brock beat Skeletor. For that alone, he deserves a moment of honor in his passing.