While I am working on a number of other political and legal posts, I wanted to leave y’all this week with just a small spark of levity. I also want to honor a fine public servant, a fellow Midwesterner who represents much of the inter-party congeniality that we have lost in Congress over the past few decades.
John Dingell, Jr.
Member of the U.S. House from Michigan (1955-present)
Congressman John Dingell, Jr. (D) represents the 12th congressional district of Michigan. Originally elected in 1955, he has served over 57 years in the United States House of Representatives, and yesterday became the longest serving member of Congress ever. He replaced his father, John D. Dingell, Sr., who had represented Michigan in Congress from 1933 until his death in 1955. The younger Mr. Dingell arrived with his father in Washington at the age of 6, and has now been affiliated with our nation’s capital and with government for 80 years.
As the longest serving member currently in the House he is the Dean of the House, a title he’s held since January of 1995. While the position bears no power and is an honorary title, the only role the Dean has is to swear in each Speaker of the House. Interestingly enough, the Dean of the House has been a Democrat since 1933.
For a nice, funny tribute to the congressman, see Stephen Colbert’s interview with him from June 3.
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