Projo Politics Blog

In The Journal newsroom, retiring Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst watches Senator Whitehouse's tribute from the floor of the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., paid tribute this morning on the floor of the U.S. Senate to Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst and reporters Scott MacKay and Mark Arsenault, who are leaving The Journal today in a voluntary separation plan.

Whitehouse's tribute was broadcast on C-SPAN 2. It had been planned for 11:30 a.m. but began earlier.

"Journalism was in Charlie's blood," Whitehouse said in remarks on the floor.

Bakst, in trademark red suspenders, sat in a chair a few feet from a Journal newsroom television. He watched the broadcast while about 15 Journal employees gathered around.

Whitehouse recalled Bakst writing about political figures, social issues, and what's on the menu at various baseball parks wherever his beloved Sox were playing.

The senator tracked Bakst's career. "He became editor of the Brown Daily Herald. He became State House bureau chief for the Journal. He became political columnist.

"Charlie's writing betrays a sense of wonder at the pageanty of politics," Whitehouse said.

The senator remembered Bakst expressed outrage at government's response to Hurricane Katrina.

"Charlie told it like he saw it," Whitehouse said. "And when he saw a public servant abusing the public trust, he said so."

"I hope," Whitehouse said, "Rhode Island will find a way not to lose Charlie's unique voice."

Watch the video / Read the speech

Read Journal columnist Bob Kerr's column about Bakst's departure

 Tags  M. Charles Bakst Senator Sheldon Whitehouse U.S. Senate

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