This Oct. 27, 1958 file photo shows Rep. Robert C. Byrd.
Byrd becomes longest-serving member of Congress
WASHINGTON — West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd has been around so long that nearly all lawmakers in Congress can remember reasons they love him - and many can recall how they once bitterly opposed him.
The veteran Democrat on Wednesday became the longest-serving member of Congress in history, as he logged day No. 20,774, surpassing the record of Arizona Democrat Carl Hayden, who served in the House of Representatives and the Senate from 1912 to 1969.
As the senior senator, Byrd, who will turn 92 on Friday, is the Senate president pro tempore and third in line for the presidency.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2009, Byrd will become the longest serving member of either house of Congress.
Senator Robert C. Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, who is already the longest-serving senator in United States history, is set to cross yet another milestone of longevity in the legislative branch. On Wednesday, he’ll surpass Carl Hayden as the longest-serving member of Congress in history, combining terms in both the House and Senate.
Mr. Hayden, an Arizona Democrat, served in the House from 1912 to 1927 and in the Senate from 1927 to 1969 for a total of 56 years 319 days.
Mr. Byrd, whose 92nd birthday is Friday, served in the House from 1953 to 1959 and has been in the Senate ever since. He served as the Democratic leader from 1977 to 1989, about half of that time as the majority leader.
Expect numerous tributes in the Senate and in West Virginia, Gov. Joe
http://www.idahostatesman.com/nationalpolitics/story/978382.html
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/byrd-will-set-another-record/
