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Gallery: Sen. Robert C. Byrd

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va. looks on during a hearing on judge nomination before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1998. On Wednesday, Byrd rebuked President Clinton, saying the president has "sown the wind," and is now "reaping the whirlwind." Speaking in the Senate chamber, Byrd, declared that "talk of impeachment is in the air." (AP Photo/Joe Marquette)

June 28, 2010 @ 01:09 PM

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., is the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. history.

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The Herald-Dispatch

Robert C. Byrd in 1998.

The Herald-Dispatch

Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., center, and Robert C. Byrd, D-W.V., right, display their personal copies of the Constitution Thursday, June 25, 1998, in Washington as Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., smiles in background. The three held a news conference in support of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision against the line item veto. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette)

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd speaks of the importance of books in October 1998 during the dedication of Marshall University's John Deaver Drinko Library.

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., right, and Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, walk to the Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill Thursday Jan. 7, 1999, for the ceremonial opening of the Senate's impeachment trial against President Clinton. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., arrives at General District Court in Fairfax, Va., Monday, July 19, 1999, for a hearing on his May traffic accident. Pleading no contest, the West Virginia Democrat received a suspended $50 fine for rear-ending another vehicle May 7 in a case dispensed within about a minute. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., speaks in January 1999 at the the Valley's Rally Stand Up For Steel outside the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. (GNS Photo by James Kegley)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., talks with talk show host Larry King on CNN's Larry King Live Wednesday, Feb. 3, 1999, at the CNN studios in Washington. Byrd, who was opposed to calling witnesses at the start of the impeachment trial of President Clinton, said he's "seen nothing to change his mind" after reviewing recent depositions. He added he has yet to see the deposition of Sidney Blumenthal. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, center, and his wife, Erma, speak with an attendee of the Crum Public Service District Grant Award meeting at Tolsia High School in June 1999. Byrd assisted the district in obtaining a $3.05 million grant to extend water service to parts of Wayne County.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd speaks of how he grew up without running water during at the Crum Public Service District Grant Award Meeting at Tolsia High School in June 1999. With the assistance of Byrd, the district was awarded $3.05 million to assist in extending water service to parts of southern Wayne County.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd speaks during the dedication of the Byrd Center for Rural Health at Cabell Huntington Hospital in June 1999.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd shows his full support for Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore after Gore spoke at a campaign rally in November 2000 at the Tri-State Airport.

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., is interviewed on "Fox News Sunday" at their studio in Washington Sunday, March 4, 2001, regarding President Bush's tax cut and budget proposal. (AP Photo/FOX, Chris Kleponis)

The Herald-Dispatch

From left, Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va. and Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., appear together at a news conference in the Capitol to address steel issues, Tuesday, June 5, 2001, in Washington. President Bush decided Tuesday to initiate a trade case that could impose sharp restrictions on steel imports to protect the beleaguered American steel industry. (AP Photo/Kenneth Lambert)

The Herald-Dispatch

President Bush addresses a Joint Session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001. Sitting behind Bush is Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., president pro-tem of the Senate, right, and House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. (AP Photo/Win McNamee, Pool)

The Herald-Dispatch

In this image made from television, Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, left, watches as Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., asks for the resolution on how to proceed in the impeachment trial against President Clinton to be read on the Senate floor, Jan. 8, 1999, in Washington. After spending nearly half his life as a U.S. senator, Byrd has no qualms about taking on the president or other senators, including those of his own party. (AP Photo/APTN, File)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., is seen in his office on Capitol Hill in this June 8, 2001, file photo in Washington. After spending nearly half his life as a U.S. senator, Byrd has no qualms about taking on the president or other senators, including those of his own party. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., seen in this image from video, speaks about the resolution on Iraq on the floor of the U.S. Senate Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, in Washington. (AP Photo/CSPAN via APTN)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-WV, a key Democratic player in the trial of President Clinton, enters the Senate chamber to listen to final arguments in Washington, D.C., Feb. 8, 1999. Byrd has been sitting on the fence as to the guilt or innocence of the president. (Gannett News Service, Tim Dillon/USA TODAY)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W. Va., comments during an interview in his Washington office, Monday, Feb. 10, 2003. (Gannett News Service, Heather Martin Morrissey)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W. Va., comments during an interview in his Washington office, Monday, Feb. 10, 2003. (Gannett News Service, Heather Martin Morrissey)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, at left, Rep. Martin Sabo, D-Minn., center, and Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., speak outside the West Wing of the White House after a meeting with President Bush on how to pay for the war in Iraq, Monday, March 24, 2003. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., gestures during a speech at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley, W.Va., Monday, Sept. 27, 2004. Byrd spoke out for John Kerry, and against the Republican National Committee's efforts to divide the electorate around religious and moral issues. "God is neither a Democrat or Republican," he said. (AP Photo/Jon C. Hancock)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., holds a copy of the Base Closure and Realignment Report at a support rally for the West Virginia Air National Guard's 130th Airlift Wing facility in Charleston, W.Va. Monday, May 16, 2005. Under the plan, the 130th would lose all of its C-130 aircraft. (AP Photo/Bob Bird)

Photo courtesy of Archie Locke

Travis Owsley, from left, Justin Carpenter, Sarah Board, Katie Benson and Paul Gessler meet with Sen. Robert C. Byrd at the College Center at Shepherd University at the West Virginia Young Democrats Convention in April 2005.

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., speaks with a copy of the U.S. Constitution in his hand at a bookstore in New York where he was launching his book "Losing America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency," in this July 26, 2004, file photo. Byrd's autobiography will be released June 15, 2005, and West Virginia's old-school orator and senior statesman hopes his story will inspire others to consider public service. "Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields" chronicles the 87-year-old Democrat's life from his boyhood to his election in 2000, when he won an eighth term in the U.S. Senate. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

The Herald-Dispatch

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, left, is greeted by Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.V., before the start of their meeting with other senators on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 24, 2005, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., uses a map of West Virginia to illustrate his accomplishments as a U.S. senator in his U.S. Capitol office in Washington on Thursday, March 24, 2005. Byrd was first elected to the Senate in 1958. (Gannett News Service, Bill Clark)

The Herald-Dispatch

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, left, raises his arms in solidarity with West Virginia National Guard Major General Allen Tackett, center, and Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., at a support rally for the West Virginia Air National Guard's 130th Airlift Wing facility in Charleston, W.Va. Monday, May 16, 2005. (AP Photo/Bob Bird)

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) answer questions after touring the Huntington VA Medical Center Sunday, July 3, 2005. Byrd spent Sunday in Huntington to thank local veterans for the sacrifices they have made for the country. Byrd also attended services at Christ Temple Church along with Rahall and West Virginia State Representative Bob Plymale (D-Cabell, Wayne).

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) dances during services at Christ Temple Church Sunday, July 3, 2005. Byrd spent Sunday in Huntington attending church and making his way to the VA Medical Center in Spring Valley to thank local veterans for the sacrifices they have made for the country.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

United States Representative Nick J. Rahall (D-W.Va.) listens to U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) answer questions after touring the Huntington VA Medical Center Sunday, July 3, 2005. Byrd spent Sunday in Huntington to thank local veterans for the sacrifices they have made for the country. Byrd also attended services at Christ Temple Church along with Rahall and West Virginia State Representative Bob Plymale (D-Cabell, Wayne).

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Joined by Gov. Joe Manchin, right, Sen. Robert C. Byrd announces on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, from the rotunda area of the capitol building in Charleston, W.Va., that he will seek re-election for his ninth term in the U.S. Senate.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd announces on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, from the rotunda area of the capitol building in Charleston, W.Va., that he will seek re-election for his nine term in the U.S. Senate.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd announces on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, from the rotunda area of the capitol building in Charleston, W.Va., that he will seek re-election for his nine term in the U.S. Senate.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd announces on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, from the rotunda area of the capitol building in Charleston, W.Va., that he will seek re-election for his ninth term in the U.S. Senate.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Jan Wilmoth, left, of Barboursville embraces Sen. Robert C. Byrd on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, following his announcement from the rotunda area of the capitol building in Charleston, W.Va., that he will seek re-election for his ninth term in the U.S. Senate.

File photo/The Herald-Dispatch

Cpl. Dan Wyatt, a Marine Corps. vet who recently completed his second term in Iraq, poses for a photo with Sen. Robert C. Byrd on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, in the rotunda area of the capitol building in Charleston, W.Va. Byrd is seeking re-election for his ninth term in the U.S. Senate.

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., meets with Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, left, in his Capitol Hill office on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005. (Gannett News Service, Jeff Franko)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., questions a panel of coal industry officials about whether the safety of miners is neglected, during a special hearing by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. The investigation was spurred by the deaths of 14 miners in West Virginia in the last three weeks. "These deaths I believe were entirely preventable," Byrd said, and that safety for the miners is a moral imperative. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, listens at right. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The Herald-Dispatch

Members of the West Virginia Congressional delegation walk on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006 after a meeting to discuss mine safety. From left are, Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va , Gov. Joe Manchin, Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., Sen. John Rockefeller, D-W.Va., Rep. Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

The Herald-Dispatch

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III, left, and Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV, right, listen to Sen. John Rockefeller, D-WV, speak with reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006, in Washington. Manchin is in Washington, pushing Congress to follow his state's lead and pass new mine protections. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)/Jan 24, 2006

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va. takes part in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in this Feb. 7, 2006, file photo. Byrd, the dean of the Senate and its resident constitutional expert, counts only a few regrets in his 48-year Senate career: filibustering the 1964 Civil Rights Act, voting to expand the Vietnam War, deregulating airlines. Add to the list a new one from this century: supporting the anti-terror USA Patriot Act after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Files)

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., shown in this Sept. 9, 2005 file photo, announced Thursday, April 6, 2006 that he intends to stay in the Senate race in the wake of the recent death of his wife. (AP Photo/Bob Bird)

Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., speaks to nearly 700 graduating students during Marshall University's 169th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 6, 2006, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., displays his Honorary Degree that he received during Marshall University's 169th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 6, 2006, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin greets U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd as Marshall University President Stephen Kopp watches. Byrd and Manchin were at Marshall on Friday, August 25, 2006, for the dedication of the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center.

Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., praises Marshall University on Friday, August 25, 2006, during the dedication of the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center.

Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch

At left, Marshall University President Stephen Kopp applauds as he and A. Michael Perry, member of the Marshall Board of Governors, welcome U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd to the dedication of the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center Friday, August 25, 2006, in Huntington.

Heather Wines/Gannett News Service

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., pets his dog Trouble in his Capitol office in Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Byrd is up for re-election, and many question his age. He is 88.

Heather Wines/Gannett News Service

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., plays with his dog Trouble in his Capitol office in Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Byrd is up for re-election, and many question his age. He is 88.

Heather Wines/Gannett News Service

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., discusses his upcoming re-election bid in his Capitol office in Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Byrd, born on Nov. 20, 1917, was first elected to the Senate in 1958, according to his Web site.

Heather Wines/Gannett News Service

The Herald-Dispatch

Sen. Robert C. Byrd

Heather Wines/Gannett News Service

Gannett News Service/Heather Wines

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., discusses his upcoming re-election bid in his Capitol office in Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Byrd, born Nov. 20, 1917, was first elected to the Senate in 1958, according to his Web site.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Robert C. Byrd's office

Challenger the Bald Eagle joins Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and others at a press conference at the United States Capitol in April 2007 to introduce the American Eagle Day Resolution.

AP Photo/Jeff Gentner

Sen. Robert C Byrd, D-W.Va., attends a rally for Democratic congressional candidate Anne Barth Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, in Charleston, W.Va.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., sits with Gov. Joe Manchin and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., during the ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the first 2.1 miles of U.S. 35 in Putnam County on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd greets the crowd during the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Huntington.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Congressman Nick J. Rahall II talks with U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd during the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Huntington.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd is greeted by Congressman Nick J. Rahall II and Marshall President Stephen Kopp as he arrives for the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Huntington.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, front, gets a photo with Stephen Kopp, Charles McKown, and Nick J. Rahall II during the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Huntington.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dispatch

Congressman Nick J. Rahall II watches on as U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd speaks during the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Huntington.