by Robert Kraig

Wisconsin's politicos and its pundits were stunned by David Obey's announcement that he would not seek re-election after over 40 years in Congress.  I was too, but thinking back, I think Obey actually sent us strong signals he would retire once one of his most cherished goals was achieved.  In the last couple of years I heard him say in several speeches that he would not retire until he achieved national health care reform.  I heard him say it as early as August 2007 in Shell Lake, the one time I have had the honor of sharing a stage with the legendary Congressman.  (Obey also played his harmonica that afternoon with a local bluegrass band). 

I did not take his statements seriously at the time, but thinking back it makes a great deal of sense.  Every bit as much as Ted Kennedy in the Senate, David Obey experienced first-hand our nation's stunning inability to guarantee quality affordable health care.  No matter how hard he fought session after session, and how much premiums skyrocketed and the ranks of the uninsured swelled, the goal seemed more and more remote and unattainable. 

No one more than David Obey can appreciate the historic significance of the passage of health care reform this year.  In addition to his contributions as one of the most powerful leaders in Congress, Obey even got to chair the House debate leading up to the final vote.  It seems fitting and proper that Obey chose to end his historic career following the passage of the most sweeping economic and social legislation to be achieved in America since the 1960s.  Now that Obey is passing on the baton, we all have an obligation to carry on his work by making health care reform a success.