Saxton to Receive Award for Career of Bipartisanship
Joins Gov. Schwartzenegger, Rep. Harmon @ Panetta Institute
MONTERY BAY, CALIF. - Congressman Jim Saxton will be presented with the Leon Panetta Institute for Public Policy’s ninth annual Jefferson-Lincoln Award on Saturday at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. Representative Jane Harman (D-CA), and noted author and journalist, Ron Brownstein have also been selected to receive the 2008 Jefferson-Lincoln award.
An Evening to Honor Lives of Public Service will salute distinguished individuals who have demonstrated independence of judgment and dedication to good governance in addressing our nation's problems and protecting the principles of our democracy.
"I have known and respected Leon Panetta for many years, and I think we both tried to bring civility to the House of Representatives," said Saxton, 65. "Politics on Capitol Hill can be vicious, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Good government only occurs when we can put aside conflict, be forthright and carve out common ground. I’ve tried to be a bridge-builder, whenever possible."
Saxton (NJ-03) joins previous winners to include journalists David Broder formerly of the Washington Post and Judy Woodruff, formerly of CNN and PBS; Sen. John McCain, R-AZ; Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA; Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-CT; Former Congressman and Secretary of Defense William Cohen, R-ME; Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, D-CA; Sen. Russ Feingold, D-WI; Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-NY; and U.S. Senator John Chafee, R-RI.
"As our nation prepares for a new administration amidst an unprecedented set of challenges, more than ever we owe a great debt to those individuals who respond to these times with wisdom and courage" Leon Panetta, Institute co-director, former congressman and White House Chief of Staff under Bill Clinton. "The Panetta Institute is delighted to be honoring this group of individuals. U.S. Representatives Saxton and Harman have displayed tremendous dedication in their stewardship of our nation’s fiscal, defense and environmental resources."
The gala event is co-sponsored by the American Academy of Chefs and the American Culinary Federation, and will include a four-course dinner by renowned restauranteur Bert Cutino. It will feature some of the Central Coast’s finest wines and produce, prepared by some of the best chefs of the Monterey Peninsula.
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