The Man Who Made Friends Across the Aisle

Dick Schulze, a staunch conservative from Pennsylvania, was a rare politician who could make friends on both sides of the aisle. He passed away at 96, leaving behind a legacy of respect and bipartisan cooperation. People who knew him well remembered his ability to disagree without being disagreeable.

A Conservative with a Collaborative Spirit

Schulze was known for his strong conservative views, but he also had a knack for working with Democrats. In 1986, he teamed up with Democratic Rep. Dan Rostenkowski to shape the Tax Reform Act, which was later signed by President Ronald Reagan. This was not a one-time thing. Schulze had a history of finding common ground with those who held different views.

A Memorable Moment

One memorable moment was when Schulze used a baseball bat to make a point during a heated debate on gun control. He banged the bat on the table and said:

"This has killed more people in your district than any handgun."

The room fell silent, but Schulze's point was clear: he was against limiting handgun ownership, but he did it in a way that was respectful and effective.

Understanding and Respecting the Other Side

Schulze's approach to politics was not just about winning arguments. It was about understanding and respecting the other side. He once told a pro-choice constituent that she could vote against him if that was what she believed in. This openness and respect earned him the trust and admiration of many, even those who disagreed with him.

A Varied Career Before Politics

Before entering politics, Schulze had a varied career. He attended three different colleges and served in the U.S. Army. He then became an appliance salesman and got involved in local politics. In 1967, he was elected register of wills in Chester County, and three years later, he won a seat in the state House of Representatives.

A Grassroots Victory

In 1974, Schulze ran for Congress and won against a well-funded opponent, Robin West. West was a multimillionaire financier and a former staffer in the Nixon White House. Despite the odds, Schulze's grassroots campaign and West's controversial past helped him secure a victory. From then on, Schulze never had a difficult time getting re-elected.

Retirement and Personal Life

Schulze retired in 1992, fulfilling his promise to serve no more than eighteen years. Two years before his retirement, he lost his first wife, Anne, who had been a significant part of his political journey. In 1993, he found love again and married Nancy Waltermire, the widow of a former Montana secretary of state. They remained together until Schulze's passing.

A Reminder of Respect and Cooperation

In today's political climate, where divisiveness often takes center stage, Schulze's legacy stands out. He was a politician who believed in finding common ground and treating opponents with respect. His ability to bridge the aisle serves as a reminder that politics can be about more than just winning; it can be about understanding and cooperation.