Two Former Senate Majority Leaders Join Edward M. Kennedy Institute Board

Former Senior White House Aide and Boston Civic Leader Round Out New Board Additions

BOSTON, Mass., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (the EMK Institute) is proud to announce four new board members, including two former Senate Majority Leaders, U.S. Senator Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota), and U.S. Senator Trent Lott (R-Mississippi).   The EMK Institute is a one of a kind educational organization that will provide in-depth educational programs and exhibits about our government, and demonstrate how the U.S. Senate helps to shape public policy. 

"The Institute will be capturing the history of the Senate and bringing it to life.  We cannot think of two better leaders to help guide us," said Lee Fentress, Chair of the Board of Directors.  "Senator Daschle and Senator Lott led the Senate through historic debates which had lasting and real impacts on American life. Their counsel to the Institute will be invaluable."

Senator Daschle served in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 2005 and was elected to the position of Majority Leader in 1994.  As testament to the respect Daschle commanded among his colleagues, only Lyndon Johnson had served fewer years in the Senate before being elected to lead his party. 

"The Edward M. Kennedy Institute is a project very dear to me because of my deep respect for the U.S. Senate and its place in our history.  There is no organization like the Institute, dedicated to helping the public truly understand the role of the Senate in our government," Senator Daschle said.  "I had the privilege to not only be part of the Senate as a Majority Leader, I also served with my dear friend Ted Kennedy.  Helping to bring his vision to completion is an honor and I look forward to this challenge." 

Senator Lott served in the U.S. Senate from 1989 to 2005. During President George W. Bush's first two years in office, Senator Lott led the Republican Caucus through a period of immense legislative activity including passage of a major tax cut package and an education reform bill, both of which still have enormous impact today.

"I have had the privilege to serve in both bodies of the Congress and work closely with seven presidential administrations.  We have been through some historic times, facing enormous challenges.  I know the votes we take as members of Congress do have an impact on every day Americans," said Senator Lott.  "The Institute will help students, teachers and the public to learn more about their government and how just how the work being done in Washington, DC is pivotal to our working democracy."

Senators Daschle and Lott will be joined by additional new board members: former Suffolk County District Attorney and Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Northeastern University, Ralph Martin; and Stephanie Cutter, a former senior White House aide, deputy campaign manager for Obama for America, and senior advisor to Senator Kennedy.

"Ralph and Stephanie bring with them unique talents and wisdom which will help to guide this organization.  We are certain this new team of board members will be invaluable as we develop our programs," said Lee Fentress, Chair of the Board of Directors.

This past year the Institute has participated in many groundbreaking and exciting endeavors including:

• The gifting of the Historic Kennedy home in Hyannis Port;
• The appointment of Andrew Tarsy as President of the Institute and Dr. Nell Breyer as Director of Programming and Education; and
• The announcement of the Edward M. Kennedy Biomedical Fund. 

"We are excited to welcome these distinguished leaders who have such rich and diverse experiences in public life. I look forward to working with them," said Andrew Tarsy, President of the EMK Institute.

About the EMK Institute for the United States Senate

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (the EMK Institute) is dedicated to educating the public about our government, emphasizing the importance of bipartisanhip, invigorating public discourse, encouraging participatory democracy, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the public square. Through innovative, participatory educational programs, the EMK Institute will engage the public in political debate by bringing them inside the legislative process. The EMK Institute will feature and celebrate the legislative career of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and use the progress of the issues he cared the most about to focus attention on how the Senate shapes public policy and the nation. The Institute will also heighten awareness of the Senate's role and broaden public access to the papers of all Senators through an extensive digital library, available on-site and on-line.  Envisioned as a new 40,000-square foot facility, the EMK Institute, in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass), will be located on the campus of UMass Boston and adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.  

SOURCE The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate