PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) — A familiar sign marks the Illinois River bridge bearing the name Bob Michel.
His 38 years in Congress earned him the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Monday night, editors of a new book, “Robert H. Michel: Leading the Republican House Minority,” offered insights into his remarkable career.
Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined the editors for the discussion at Bradley University.
LaHood replaced Congressman Michel but not before Michel held the GOP’s leadership post in the House longer than anyone else in history.
LaHood says the book notes the respected civility and strong work ethic that Michel brought to Capitol Hill.
“I think the way that Bob survived, and it’s illustrated in the book, is because he was a leader,” LaHood told the auditorium, “and being a leader meant that he got to work with the President, some Republican, some Democrat.”
Bob Michel died in the winter of 2017 at 93 years old.
