Between Editions

It’s rare to have both a Senator and Congressman in town at the same time, but it’s a good thing to see, and something I’d like to see happen more often.

U.S. Rep. Mike Ross spoke this morning to a group of about 60 gathered at the El Dorado Chamber Commerce. Ross addressed, among other things, health care reform and the economy.

He said that he doesn’t and will never support a government-run public option, and that he won’t support federal dollars paying for abortions.

On the economy, Ross said the nation needs to spend more money at home on infrastructure rather than aboard in places like Iraq.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln is scheduled to speak to local poultry growers at 2 p.m. today at the South Arkansas Community College Library.

Look for more in Thursday’s News-Times.

Hundreds filled the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado Wednesday to honor the life of  Jodie Mahony. Mahony, who became a fixture in Arkansas politics after nearly four decades in the state Legislature,  died Saturday night at the age of 70 after a long bout with cancer.

Dozens of Arkansas legislators, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, and former governors Jim Guy Tucker and David Pryor were among the dignitaries in attendance.

During the service, Beebe said that “there will never be anyone like Jodie Mahony” again in Arkansas’ legislative body.

“When you’re known by one name,” Beebe said, noting that Mahony was known as simply “Jodie” by hundreds across Arkansas and, indeed, this entire region.

“And when that one name is associated with excellence and a worthy cause, it elevates you to a different plain. It makes you a different person. That one name has to be associated with excellence, and in Jodie we had that name coupled with excellence and a worthy cause.”

Beryl Anthony Jr., a close friend of Mahony’s since childhood, told of hunting trip antics and other moments that were “uniquely Jodie.”

“One of my favorite stories about Jodie…we were fishing in a little 16-foot aluminum boat, and I just happened to catch the spot (where all the fish were biting),” Anthony said. “Then all of the sudden this pole comes over my left shoulder. And It’s Jodie fishing cork to cork.

“He turned around and looked at me and said: ‘Fishermen have no conscience.’”

The crowd erupted in laughter.

(more…)

A large number of people are expected to gather tomorrow for former State Rep. Jodie Mahony’s funeral.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe will be among the dignitaries to attend the services, which will be held at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. No word yet on Bill Clinton. The two were close friends, and Clinton has already issued a statement about Mahony’s death.

If Clinton appears, it will likely be under a cloak.

In any case, Wednesday will be a sad day for El Dorado and the rest of the state.

**UPDATE** President Clinton’s press detail tells me that he will not be attending Mahony’s funeral.

Jodie Mahony, left, speaks with Bill Clinton in this contributed photo.

Clinton issued the following statement Monday afternoon about Mahony:

“Arkansas has lost a great public servant and a very great man with the passing of my friend Jodie Mahony. He dedicated his life to giving our children better education and our citizens better government. Right to the end, he was always working longer, learning more, and fighting harder for what he believed.

“And he had great fun doing it. Arkansas will miss Jodie Mahony’s service. And those of us who knew and loved him will miss his wit, his wisdom, and his friendship. Hillary and I join his legion of friends in sending our thoughts and prayers to Bettie Anne (Mahony’s wife) and his family.”

Photo credit: Jim Lemon/El Dorado News-Times
Retiring State Rep. Jodie Mahony and his wife, Bettie Anne, enjoy the comments of his past associates during a recognition dinner at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce in 2006.

• • •
Among the comments I’ve gathered for an article on Jodie Mahony’s life to run in Tuesday’s News-Times:

“He was a wonderful legislature, a focused individual who was interested in everything that would benefit Arkansas.”

“A true gentleman, and a lover of all things education.”

“He will be greatly missed. There will never be another champion of South Arkansas like Jodie Mahony.”

Tuesday’s article will also focus on Mahony’s legislation that allowed leftover nursing home medication to be used by non-profit medical clinics throughout the state. El Dorado’s Interfaith Clinic has benefited greatly from this practice.

Arkansas Lt. Governor Bill Halter will be in El Dorado Thursday to talk about the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. His schedule is as follows:

• From 10:50-11:45 a.m., he will address El Dorado High School seniors.

• From 1-2 p.m., he will hold a town hall meeting at the South Arkansas Community College’s East Campus in conference room No. 101.