Bond: "It's very, very important for us to have a man like Ike Skelton"

During the 7th inning of today's Cardinals game, broadcaster John Rooney spoke with Sen. Kit Bond about his public service and colleagues in Congress. In their conversation, Bond and Rooney both had high praise for Congressman Ike Skelton.

"I tell you, it's very, very important for us to have a man like Ike Skelton, who's Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee," Bond said.

Transcript:

ROONEY: It's interesting -- over the years, the public servants and the politicians from the Show-Me State who've had such an impact on this country, like yourself; and like Harry Truman, who served as President; Ike Skelton, who's been so involved in the defense of our country over the years; and Senator Symington; Senator Eagleton.  They've all be national figures, as well as great Representatives, Senators and those who have served in Missouri.

BOND: Well, thank you. I'm not putting myself in that, those categories. But I tell you, it's very, very important for us to have a man like Ike Skelton, who's Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, because this is a great state to support the military. So proud of the National Guard, our active forces and the equipment we make here for them.

ROONEY: [Baseball] And the way he [Skelton] serves his constituents and his district in Missouri. And I've known Ike Skelton since I was 16 years old...

BOND: Oh, really?

ROONEY: ...working at KLEX in Lexington, Missouri.

BOND: Oh, that were, you were in his hometown, then.

ROONEY: He called me into his office, and, just as a kid, he said, "Anything I can do to help you, anytime..."

Audio (.mp3)

Image credit: Daylife.com