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Greg Walden Statement on Oregon Congressman Robert Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Greg Walden released the following statement on the death of Former Oregon Congressman, Chairman Robert ‘Bob’ Freeman Smith.
"Chairman Robert ‘Bob’ Freeman Smith was a one-of-kind rancher, legislator and advocate for the eastern Oregon way of life. He was also my friend and mentor whom I first met tagging along to the state Capitol with my father when Bob was Speaker of the Oregon House and I was about 13 years old. He was a towering figure then and will remain so through the many chapters of Oregon and American history he helped author. Mylene and I will keep Kaye and the whole Smith family in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate a life well lived and a public servant proudly remembered," said Walden.
In 1960, Bob’s career as a public servant began when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. He served in the state House until 1972. He also was the Speaker of the Oregon House during the 1969 session and the 1971 session. He then served in the state Senate from 1973 to 1982. All together he ran in 31 elections and won every single one. Bob went on to serve in the House of Representatives - for 12 years, first from 1983 to 1995 and then again from 1997 to 1999.
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