Jeffords' retirement after 40 years ends an era in Vt. politics

(snip)
Jeffords' departure from Washington after spending 14 years in the House and 18 in the Senate brings an end to his kind of politics. He was one of the last of the moderates -- a group he once dubbed the "Mod Squad" -- still in Washington.

And his departure from public affairs in Vermont, where he's spent 40 years on the political stage, also signals the end of an era back home, one of the last politicians to work his way up the electoral ladder.

"I think he's been a very good Vermont senator," said Ross Baker, a Rutgers University political scientist who studies Congress. "He has certainly upheld the interests of the state. He's a quiet guy and somewhat introspective, so he doesn't get out front that much and claim credit for a lot of things. ... While there is not a lot of landmark legislation (bearing his name) I think he was an important moderating influence."

(snip)
"He has made a difference," Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said on the floor of the Senate as Jeffords' bid the body farewell earlier in the fall. "I've always been impressed by his knowledge of issues and dedication to public service."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2006/12/09/jeffords_retirement_after_40_years_ends_an_era_in_vt_politics/

for quite some time now. An all-time good guy, everything stated about him in that article is true.

when he followed his conscience 5 years ago at a critical time. It was good to see it mentioned in the article, to refresh our memories.

Hope we haven't seen the last of him.

We Railroad employees had been lobbying for over 5 years trying to do something with rail retirement. Held up by Lott, Dominici,Graham (Texas) and one other, it looked as if nothing would happen until Jeffords switched, even though there were over 70 co-sponsors. When passed, full retirement at 60/30, and the Tier II portion released from US government bonds to investment. Tier II is the annuity portion seperate from the social security equivilant which railroad employees also must pay.