Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Mitch McConnell is no John Sherman Cooper

What a beautiful and thoughtful essay you printed by Jamie Lucke on Sen. Mitch McConnell’s “lost opportunities.”

I cast one of my very first ballots for the great statesman John Sherman Cooper in 1960. I remember the era distinctly as Kentucky chose some of the finest senators ever to represent this state, including Alben Barkley, Marlow Cook, Thruston Morton and Wendell Ford. Sadly, we have not elected such leaders to go to Washington since that time.

As an historian, I have often pondered why we could elect a string of great governors in a 50-year period but never find quality leaders to send to Washington. I have studied Kentucky history for over 60 years, especially political leaders like Cooper, and, as a Texas senator once said, I assure you that Mitch McConnell is no John Sherman Cooper.

Henry E. Everman

Richmond

This story was originally published November 30, 2016 at 5:53 PM with the headline "Mitch McConnell is no John Sherman Cooper."

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW