The death of retired Oregon Sen. Mark Hatfield this week reminds us of a time of bipartisanship that has long past in Congress. As a Republican Hatfield often challenged the positions of his own party to raise questions about the involvement in Vietnam and at the end of his career as the one vote that stopped the Senate from passing a Balanced Budget Amendment in 1995. But he joined with members of both parties to pass the environmental laws that remain the foundation of protection today of our air, water, wildlife and public lands. He could stand on principle to the most powerful people and forces when he thought it was the right thing to do. But he also knew how to compromise and get things done/Rocky Barker, Statesman. More here.

Question: Is there anyone in Congress today that you'd call a statesman?