KTUU: Family, friends help unveil Senator Ted Stevens' portrait in Old Senate Chamber
The Alaskan of the 20th Century took his historic place in the halls of Capitol Hill Wednesday. The unveiling of Senator Ted Stevens’ (R-AK) portrait took place in the Old Senate Chamber with folks from around the country in attendance.
Stevens was one of the longest serving Republicans in Senate history, serving as President Pro Tempore from 2003 to 2007.
The unveiling of Senator Ted Stevens’ portrait immortalized the late senator in the building he walked more than almost anyone.
“The artist truly captured what it was like to be sitting there with him that I did so many times,” said Lilly Becker, Senator Stevens’ daughter.
Becker recalls sitting on the couch next to her father in the Capitol, listening to him read speeches. She says this moment was a longtime coming as family members, friends, and other leaders on Capitol Hill recognized the Republican senator for the work he did for his state and country.
“The thing that resonated with me most was how he took time to get to know other people,” said Becker.
Her father left a lasting impact on the current Alaska delegation. Rep. Don Young (R-AK), the longest-serving current member in the House of Representatives, calls Stevens “his senator.”
“He was non-partisan. He was very much for Alaska, what for Alaska, and he used both sides of the aisle to get it done,” said Young.
Stevens’ portrait will hang in the Senate Leadership Portrait Collection among a select group. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) says he is a legend getting due recognition.
“As Alaskans we claim him as our own, but Ted Stevens was a senator’s senator,” said Murkowski.
Alaskan Dean Larson is the artist behind Senator Stevens’ portrait. He was Stevens’ intern in the early 80s in the Senate.
By: Peter Zampa
Source: KTUU
