Howard Baker
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 10, 1999) -- Former U.S. Senator Howard Baker
Jr., who shot to national prominence in two of the nation's most critical
political events of this century, Watergate and the Iran-Contra issue, will
speak on "The Legacy of the Tennessee Valley Authority" during the university's
Stonecipher Symposium on Technology, Communication and Culture on March 22.
But Baker, the first Tennessee Republican popularly elected to the U.S.
Senate, remains a stranger to most university students. His impending trip to
speak in the midst of the nation's current political uproar provides an
opportune backdrop for a glimpse of Baker's place in history.
"Howard Baker was one of the more important senators of the 1980s,"
said Tennessee Technological University political science professor Steven
Williams. "He was one of the most respected Senate members, and he earned the
same type of respect from both parties."
Baker, elected to the United States Senate in 1966 and re-elected in
1972 and 1978, became a household name in 1973 while serving as vice-chairman
of the Senate Watergate Subcommittee. The televised hearings of the Senate
Select Committee catapulted Baker to the front ranks of his party.
He presented the keynote address at the 1976 Republican National
Convention and was a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in
1980. He concluded his Senate career by serving two terms as minority leader
from 1977-81 and two terms as majority leader from 1981-85.
Answering President Reagan's request to be his Chief of Staff in 1987,
Baker was valued for his intelligence and homespun wisdom. Baker's signature
advice to Reagan and other officials during the Iran-Contra turmoil was "don't
let it fester."
"Baker salvaged the White House by reorganizing it after Iran/Contra
affair," Williams said. "Though a partisan leader, he worked with and commanded
respect from Democrats; he was almost the opposite of Newt Gingrich who was
partisan but could not command that type of bi-partisan respect.
"I think popular opinion is that a man like Howard Baker is what the
country needs in Congress today," Williams added.
Now retired from active politics, Baker recently has been sought by
journalists and politicians for his insights on President Bill Clinton's
impeachment trial. Baker continues to provide analysis for CNN broadcasts
throughout the Senate proceedings.
Baker will give the Stonecipher Symposium's keynote address Monday,
March 22, at 8 p.m. in Derryberry Hall Auditorium.
CONTACT: Karen Lykins, 931/372-3084
Go to the Stonecipher Symposium Home Page
Last updated: Feb. 15, 1999