While I have no doubts that Elizabeth Dole will represent North Carolina well in the Senate, "replace" is entirely the wrong word to use. It is truly difficult to replace a legend, and no one will ever be able to replace Helms, who has served the state admirably during his 30-year tenure in office.
I can think of few politicians in history who could have taken the strong stances that Helms has and still command the respect from people at both ends of the political spectrum as he does. The most recent evidence of this are comments made by Helms' colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, on the floor of the Senate during a farewell tribute to Helms in October.
The late Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., arguably the most liberal member of the Senate while in office, lauded Helms for his kind treatment of lower-level Capitol Hill staffers. "One of the ways you judge a person is just to watch the way they treat people," Wellstone said. "I don't think there's anyone in the Senate who treats them with more grace."
Wellstone wasn't alone. Helms has repeatedly been voted the "nicest" and "most courteous" member of Congress by Capitol Hill workers.
Over the years, Helms also has built a reputation for superior constituent service and standing up for North Carolina regardless of what the political costs to himself.
Most detractors who try to demonize Helms as a cold, heartless conservative have never actually met him and are unaware of his reputation for fairness and courtesy to everyone, no what their station in society. This basic respect for humanity is a principle that has guided Helms throughout his career. Helms' close friendship and work with U2 lead singer Bono on debt relief for third-world nations is just a recent example.
Helms' r
