Former congressman Lane Evans: 'I have no regrets'

I live in the Quad City area of Iowa and Illinois and for years we QCer's had the great fortune of being represented in DC by Jim Leach on the Iowa side and Lane Evans on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Lane Evans is a true and principled man and this world needs more like him.

For 24 years, Lane Evans fought for the rights of veterans and workers. Today, he fights for himself — against a disease that ravages his body while another strikes at his mind.

The people who have come to know the retired 12-term U.S. congressman — and there are too many to count — have kept track of Evans’ health since he disclosed a decade ago that he has Parkinson’s disease. People cannot help but notice his decline. It is written on his unsteady gait and declared by his mumbled speech.

His central-nervous system breakdown drove Evans from office long before he was ready to go.

The 57-year-old spends his days in a modest apartment in an assisted-living center in Silvis, Ill. Although his body often refuses to cooperate with a mind that is now disrupted by dementia, self-pity is as elusive as uninterrupted thought....

More @ http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/09/07/news/local/doc48c308a330648424906541.txt

But Jim Leach pretty much disappeared after '94. I live in what is now Dave Loebsack's district and for the first time in a decade I feel like we are being represented.

I first met Lane in the late 70's when he was a state rep...and followed his stellar career in the House. I was saddened when be was afflicted with Parkinson, but he and the party found a very qualified successor in Phil Hare. It's sad to see how this man has become a prisoner in his own body, but glad he's still able to share what ever he can with us.

BTW...Jim Leech endorse Senator Obama...and Democrats now enjoy a strong standing in the entire Quad Cities area.

A toast to Lane Evans...a great American and Democrat

:patriot:

have the wonderful pension and healthcare entitlements he has, because of his time in Congress.

Namely: everyone else.