Paul Coverdell, senator, 61

["Deathwatch Central" <cdw@slick.org>]

Tuesday July 18 7:39 PM ET

Sen. Coverdell Dies in Atlanta Hospital 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Sen. Paul Coverdell of Georgia, one of
the most influential members of the U.S. Senate died on Tuesday after
undergoing surgery for a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 61

``Paul Coverdell passed away today at approximately 6.10 p.m. at the
Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Senate Republican leader Trent Lott
announced on the floor of the Senate.

``Paul has been a close friend and confidant and an outstanding member of
this body and we will miss him greatly,'' Lott said.

Coverdell's office said he had died as a result of a massive cerebral
hemorrhage which caused pressure on vital areas of the brain.

``Senator Coverdell's death was quiet. His wife, and other family members,
and the Senate chaplain were with him,'' the senator's office said in a
statement.

``At the appropriate time I will join the rest of my colleagues and try to
make appropriate remarks to pay tribute to Paul, but for now I can't do
any more than make this announcement,'' said Lott, his voice breaking with
emotion.

Coverdell, a former Peace Corps director and Republican leader in the
Georgia legislature.

One of the most influential behind-the-scenes players in the Senate,
Coverdell served as secretary of the Senate Republican Conference and was
the chief Senate liaison for Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the presumptive
Republican presidential nominee.

``Paul was not only an outstanding senator but a great personal friend,''
said Sen. Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican. ''His passing is a
tremendous loss for his family, friends, the United States Senate and for
all Americans.''

Coverdell was an ardent supporter of tough U.S. anti-drug policies,
particularly in Latin America, and led Senate Republican efforts on
education and tax policy.

``This is Georgia's loss, but it is really a loss for the entire
country,'' said Sen. Don Nickles of Oklahoma. ''Paul Coverdell was a good
friend, a fine leader and a great senator for the people of Georgia. He
dedicated his work in the Senate and his entire life to making the world a
better place for other people.'' 





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