Kansas leaders remember former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum
TOPEKA, Kan. — Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, a trailblazing Kansas political figure who became the first woman elected to represent the state in the U.S. Senate, has died.
Kassebaum's passing prompted tributes from political leaders across Kansas, who remembered her independence, integrity and decades of public service.
"Kansas lost part of its soul when Nancy Kassebaum died," Gov. Laura Kelly said. "Senator Kassebaum cared deeply about Kansas, about our country. No one worked harder, or smarter, to make our world a better place."
Kelly said she first met Kassebaum 35 years ago and immediately recognized her as a unique person.
"Humble, unassuming, while focused and fearless, Senator Kassebaum lived a life that mattered," Kelly said. "I will miss her."
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran called Kassebaum a trailblazer who always put Kansans first.
"We honor the life of Senator Nancy Kassebaum, a trailblazer who put the well-being of Kansans first," Moran said. "Her pioneering role as the first woman to represent our state in the U.S. Senate perfectly reflects the Kansas spirit."
Kassebaum, the daughter of former Kansas Gov. and 1936 Republican presidential nominee Alf Landon, was elected to the Senate in 1978. She served three terms before leaving office in 1997.
Moran recalled campaigning for Kassebaum in western Kansas during her first Senate campaign and in campaigns that followed.
"She was never afraid to challenge me in our conversations, but she was always a friend and encourager," Moran said. "She was deeply respected across our state, and Kansans remain grateful for the way in which she represented us with such intelligence and integrity."
U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt, who worked for Kassebaum for five years, credited her with helping introduce him to a career in public service.
"Senator Kassebaum introduced this kid from a small Southeast Kansas town to opportunities for public service I had not known possible," Schmidt said. "I worked for her five years and came away with cherished memories and friends who will last a lifetime."
Schmidt said he would remain deeply grateful for Kassebaum's early mentorship, inspiration and example.
U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall remembered Kassebaum as "a true Kansan" who dedicated years of her life to serving the state.
"She was a true Kansan who dedicated years of her life to serving our state and made history as Kansas' first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate," Marshall said. "Laina and I are keeping her family and loved ones in our prayers."
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes also highlighted Kassebaum's historic role.
"Today, we honor the pioneering life of Senator Nancy Kassebaum," Estes said. "As the first woman to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Kassebaum made history and represented our state with a strong commitment to public service."
Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said Kassebaum came from a legendary Kansas political family but established her own legacy.
"Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, who hailed from a legendary political family, served Kansas herself with independence and decency for nearly two decades, then came home to the Flint Hills she loved," Masterson said. "Kansas is grateful for her service."
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt called Kassebaum a legend whose influence extended well beyond the state.
"She paved the way for women in public service all across America, but especially in Kansas," Schmidt said. "We are better because of her service!"
Kassebaum developed a reputation during her Senate career for independence and bipartisanship. She chaired the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and worked on a number of major issues, including health care.
One of the most notable pieces of legislation associated with her Senate career was the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA. The legislation was sponsored by Kassebaum and Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
Kassebaum married former U.S. Sen. Howard Baker of Tennessee in 1996. Baker died in 2014. Following her years in Washington, Kassebaum maintained strong ties to Kansas and the Flint Hills.
Moran said Kassebaum's impact would continue well beyond her lifetime.
"The legacy of the U.S. Senate, the well-being of our nation and, most significantly, the future of the state of Kansas are brighter because of the impact Senator Kassebaum had throughout her life," Moran said. "She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will never be forgotten."