Longtime Peoria Congressman Bob Michel has died. He led the House Republican caucus during a more congenial era in American politics.
Michel was House Minority Leader from 1981 to ’95.
Back then, Democrats ran the House. But rather than attacking or obstructing, Michel preferred to advance conservative causes through “gentle persuasion.”
In his farewell speech in November 1994, Michel reflected on his good working relationship with his Democratic counterpart.
“We may disagree on the issues and we may have diametrically opposed views of what constitutes good policy for the country," Michel said. "But what matters in the long run is the ability to trust each other, because trust is often the foundation upon which House members can form a consensus that transcends party lines."
Michel was first elected to the House in 1957.
He saw significant combat In World War II: landing at Utah Beach on D-Day; fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded; and earning two Bronze Stars.
Michel died Friday morning in Virginia. He was 93.
