House and Senate Leaders Honor the Late Guy Vander Jagt; Official Portrait will be Unveiled at Reception
WASHINGTON, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- House and Senate leaders will honor one of their own on July 22, 2009, when former Speaker Newt Gingrich leads a group of former and current political leaders in unveiling the official portrait of the late Michigan Congressman, Guy Vander Jagt.
Vander Jagt, who was a member of Baker Hostetler from 1993 until his passing in 2007, served in the U.S. House from 1966-1993 and as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee from 1974-1992, making him the longest serving national political party committee chairman in American history. His leadership is often credited with many of the innovations that are now a standard part of American political campaigns.
Vander Jagt lost his battle with pancreatic cancer 25 months to the day of the celebration planned for July 22. The portrait unveiling and reception is open to print and electronic news media and will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Lounge of the Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. The speaking program is expected to begin at 5:55 p.m. and last 25 minutes. Television stations using lights are asked to leave them illuminated during the entire program.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will deliver major remarks at the event, along with former NRCC Chairman, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), and current NRCC Chairman, Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX).
Funds for the portrait and reception are being raised privately, and no taxpayer or national political party funds are being used in the endeavor. The portrait is being completed by famed artist Steven Polson, whose previous works have been commissioned by national leaders and include portraits on permanent display in the Senate Rooms of the U.S. Capitol. Vander Jagt's portrait will be displayed on permanent loan at the entrance of his beloved National Republican Congressional Committee.
Vander Jagt dedicated his national political life to serving West Michigan in the U.S. House, and trying to elect a Republican House Majority for the first time in half a century. When his long time goal was finally realized in 1994, House Speaker Newt Gingrich paid tribute to Guy on election night, saying the historic Republican control of the Chamber was made possible by standing on the shoulders of two giants, Ronald Reagan and Guy Vander Jagt.
About Baker Hostetler
Founded more than 90 years ago in 1916, Baker Hostetler is among the nation's 100 largest law firms with 600 attorneys coast to coast. The firm has offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Costa Mesa, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando and Washington, D.C. Its five primary practice groups are Business, Employment, Intellectual Property, Litigation and Tax. For more information, visit the firm's Web site at www.bakerlaw.com.
