An edited version of this appeared in the Houston Chronicle on Wed of this week. The Chron asked that I give them some of my memories of Senator Lloyd Bentsen and this is what I sent to them:

I have lots of fond memories of Senator Bentsen. I never called him Lloyd. I remember Mickey Leland's wedding which I attended in Washington. After the wedding, at the reception there was the Senator and B.A. setting by themselves waiting for the wedding party. The Senator asked me to join them and we waited a long time for the wedding party to show up, they were having their pictures taken. He was just a fine gentleman and at that occasion was just one of the many invited guest who wanted to wish Mickey and Alison well. I thought that was very nice of the Senator and Mrs. Bentsen to set and wait when as a Senator was probably not use to waiting for anyone and of course he did not have to be there at all...Mickey would have understood. But no, he wanted to show Mickey that he and BA cared enough to be there in person.

And of course I remember the excitement of him being on the ticket with Michael Dakakis. The convention was in Atlanta and those of us from Texas were happy to see him running for Vice President. Enron sponsored a party after the convention with the folks from the Oceanspray Cranberry Company. They were from Boston. It was billed as the Boston/Austin party and everyone expected the Senator to show up. The party was a big success. But I think the Secret Service said no way and he could not attend. Just one of the many things the Senator had to get use to as the Veep candidate. Of course his debate with Dan Quayle was the highlight of that campaign.

And after he retired and had his stroke I saw him many times. He was very helpful to his nephew, Ken Bentsen in Ken's various campaign. He always showed up , by this time in a wheel chair, and was very cordial to all who went over to speak to him. A fine gentlemen and he will be missed.