He was an Iowa giant. The nation has needed more people like Jim Leach for some long while, but people like him are always in short supply, and among Republicans, a vanishing kind.
Thank you for your service, Sir, and for your humanity, courage and intellect, all of which you shared generously with your state and nation. RIP.
I heard him speak on several occasions after he left office and was impressed by his analysis. There are few members of Congress, in either party, that match his wisdom.
Deba, so sorry for your loss. Jim was a super person to win ‘my congressional seat’ two years before I was old enough to run. If someone had to, I’m honored it was Jim. Such a wonderful, progressive legislator. And as I contemplated what to do then, the first thing I thought of was that I could be myself - a gay guy! Upon moving to DC, the first ‘political’ event was a vigil for Mathew Shepard on the West lawn of the Capitol. Jim was there! 💙. Jim will be missed but always remembered.
In a time where it’s not always easy to admire those in public service, Mr. Leach was the exception. I met him during his first campaign for Congress. He gave me the time I needed to share what was I important to me. He listened. I think I was about 20 years old. I was impressed then, and remain so today. His passing is a real loss.
Jim Leach was a very good man. I always admired his character and his intelligence. I had the honor of sitting next to him at a dinner in Des Moines shortly after he lost reelection in 2006 because he was a Republican. I told him that I was a Democrat, but had I lived in his district I would have voted for him. He looked me in the eye and responded with a simple, sincere “Thank you.” He was a very good man.
Thankyou for sharing this Julie. Representative Leach had kindness, compassion and love for human beings of all race and religion. These bygone days are hard to wave good bye to.
Thank you, Julie, for this excellent tribute. It strikes me also as an obituary for intelligent, reasonable, and decent Republicans. Have they all either died or moved away? Or, are succeeding generations of Iowans simply void in those qualities? Not all are so lacking, of course, but a seeming majority votes for Republicans who are clearly inferior in all character qualities compared with a Jim Leach.
I interviewed Leach at the GOP convention in 1992 and at campaign stops in Iowa City and other locations.
He was always courteous and helpful. One of a kind.
Jim Leach was a statesman, not a politician! We were fortunate to have him to represent Iowa.
He was an Iowa giant. The nation has needed more people like Jim Leach for some long while, but people like him are always in short supply, and among Republicans, a vanishing kind.
Thank you for your service, Sir, and for your humanity, courage and intellect, all of which you shared generously with your state and nation. RIP.
My condolences to Mrs. Leach and their family.
God bless you, Jim Leach. Rest in the Joy and Peace you deserve. You are a hero! - Chuck
I heard him speak on several occasions after he left office and was impressed by his analysis. There are few members of Congress, in either party, that match his wisdom.
Lovely tribute, dear friend.
Deba, so sorry for your loss. Jim was a super person to win ‘my congressional seat’ two years before I was old enough to run. If someone had to, I’m honored it was Jim. Such a wonderful, progressive legislator. And as I contemplated what to do then, the first thing I thought of was that I could be myself - a gay guy! Upon moving to DC, the first ‘political’ event was a vigil for Mathew Shepard on the West lawn of the Capitol. Jim was there! 💙. Jim will be missed but always remembered.
In a time where it’s not always easy to admire those in public service, Mr. Leach was the exception. I met him during his first campaign for Congress. He gave me the time I needed to share what was I important to me. He listened. I think I was about 20 years old. I was impressed then, and remain so today. His passing is a real loss.
Jim Leach was a very good man. I always admired his character and his intelligence. I had the honor of sitting next to him at a dinner in Des Moines shortly after he lost reelection in 2006 because he was a Republican. I told him that I was a Democrat, but had I lived in his district I would have voted for him. He looked me in the eye and responded with a simple, sincere “Thank you.” He was a very good man.
Thankyou for sharing this Julie. Representative Leach had kindness, compassion and love for human beings of all race and religion. These bygone days are hard to wave good bye to.
He was everything you noted in your lovely tribute Julie. Sad news.
Thank you, Julie, for this excellent tribute. It strikes me also as an obituary for intelligent, reasonable, and decent Republicans. Have they all either died or moved away? Or, are succeeding generations of Iowans simply void in those qualities? Not all are so lacking, of course, but a seeming majority votes for Republicans who are clearly inferior in all character qualities compared with a Jim Leach.
This Bob Ray Republican became a Democrat decades ago 😉😁✊🏼
Beautiful
Thank you.