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Morning News

Lawmakers Mourn Death of Senator Paul Coverdell

Aired July 19, 2000 - 10:06 a.m. ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Sad news today in Washington. Flags are flying at half-staff outside the Capitol building today as lawmakers mourn last night's passing of Senator Paul Coverdell. The Georgia lawmaker was seen as a rising star in the Republican Party, and, in fact, was one of the architects in the upcoming Republican National Convention.

Bob Franken, our national correspondent, live from Capitol Hill with more on the senator.

Bob, good morning to you.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

What is one of the things that is oftentimes regarded as strange in the world of politics, particularly here in Washington, is how the cold political war can sometimes by fought by people who are such warm personal friends. And nowhere is that more evident than the Senate. The entire tradition of the Senate is that they overcome political differences to get things done through personal relationships.

So when you see the mourning that is going on in the Senate today, many of the words being spoken as if they've been spoken 100 times before, they are very sincere. The emotions that you'll see today will be sincere. And so will be many of the rituals, none of them more evident than the flags that fly over the Capitol.

The Capitol flag is already at half-staff. When the American flag goes up over the Senate side, it is to signal that the Senate is in session, then it is lowered to half-staff on a day like today where the members are mourning the loss of one of their own, Paul Coverdell, who died so suddenly overnight.

Another of the rituals that opens every Senate debate is the prayer by the Senate chaplain.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REV. LLOYD OGILVIE, SENATE CHAPLAIN: Our hearts are filled with grief over the death of Senator Paul Coverdell. The Senate has lost a great friend, fellow leader, distinguished American and outstanding legislator. We praise you for his intelligence, his integrity and his intentionality. No one worked harder, longer and with greater commitment than this truly good man. (END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Soon we'll return to the cold political calculations. One of them will be the appointment of a temporary successor. The Democratic governor of Georgia is expected to appoint a Democrat to replace the Republican Coverdell until a special election will be held in November. All of that will follow after a few moments, at least, devoted to the warm personal remembrances and the sense of loss.

Bob Franken, CNN, live, Capitol Hill.

HEMMER: Bob, thank you.

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