In Jolly Times in Washington, Thomas R. Jolly dedicates his book to the memory of two men he was honored to know: Congressman John Dingell and Senator Ted Kennedy. To Tom, they were far more than important members of Congress. They became dear friends, and their long years of public service left an impression on him that remained long after both men were gone.
Two Long Careers in Congress
John Dingell became the longest-serving member of Congress in American history, while Ted Kennedy served in the United States Senate for forty-seven years.
Tom remembers both men for the work they did for ordinary Americans. They worked to eradicate poverty, improve the lives of working people, expand educational opportunities, and make health care a right for all. Tom writes that, in one way or another, the two men touched nearly every piece of landmark legislation enacted during his lifetime.
Their careers explain why Tom regarded them as two of the finest examples of public service he encountered during his years in Washington.
How John Dingell Changed Tom’s Life
Tom’s friendship with John Dingell did not begin with complete political agreement.
During the 1968 Democratic presidential campaign, John supported President Lyndon Johnson and the Vietnam War. Tom was among the young Democrats in John’s district who opposed both and volunteered for Robert Kennedy. They began on opposite sides of one of the major political debates of their generation.
That disagreement did not prevent John from helping Tom.
When Tom arrived in Washington, John secured a political appointment for him with the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress. Tom answered research requests from senators and representatives, gaining an introduction to Capitol Hill before beginning law school.
Tom never forgot that kindness. He came to understand that personal integrity mattered more to John than political disagreement.
A Remarkable Record
John entered Congress in 1955 after the death of his father and served for sixty years. During that time, he chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee and served as Dean of the House.
Tom recalls John’s role in legislation including Medicare and Medicaid, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, and Affordable Care Act. John was also a strong advocate for organized labor and American manufacturing.
Yet Tom’s memories are not limited to legislation. He remembers John’s humor, kindness, love for Deborah, and loyalty to the people around him. John became more than a political mentor. He became a close friend and, in Tom’s words, one of the finest examples of public service he had ever known.
Remembering Teddy Kennedy
Ted Kennedy also became a good friend of Tom’s. Their friendship appears in the book through personal memories that show a warm and generous side of the longtime senator.
One memorable moment occurred when Tom arrived at Kennedy’s office with clients while Kennedy was meeting Judge John Roberts. Kennedy explained that he had ended the meeting because another appointment was waiting. He joked that while there were nine Supreme Court justices, there was only one Tom Jolly.
Tom remembered the remark as classic Teddy Kennedy: warm, witty, and generous.
Tom also recalls meeting Teddy at a memorial reception for Millie Jeffrey at the United States Capitol. By then, the two were good friends, and they spent time reflecting on Millie’s remarkable career and the people she had helped.
Friendship Beyond Politics
The story also includes Debbie Dingell and Vicki Kennedy. Tom makes a point of recognizing both women as accomplished professionals in their own right. Debbie had established a successful career with General Motors, while Vicki had become a senior partner at several law firms. Tom remains proud to call both women dear friends.
For Tom, John Dingell and Ted Kennedy represented more than long careers in government. Their public service, friendships, humor, and concern for working people became part of his own Washington story.
That is why Jolly Times in Washington is dedicated to them: not simply as legislators, but as two friends Tom continues to remember with admiration and affection.
To continue exploring the world of Jolly Times in Washington, visit the Official Author Website for more insights into Thomas R. Jolly’s remarkable journey, his life in the nation’s capital, the friendships that shaped his years in politics, and the unforgettable people and events he encountered along the way. For the complete story, order your copy by Thomas R. Jolly, with Rick Jerue.