SHORT TAKES : Pizza for Strom Thurmond, 88
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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Strom Thurmond’s birthday cake is getting a little crowded. The oldest and most senior member of Congress turned 88 today.
He planned to celebrate his birthday by sharing pizza with his staff and having dinner with family and friends.
Thurmond has spent nearly half his life--43 years--in politics. He will be sworn in for his eighth term in January--more than any other person in U.S. history. He has served under 10 presidents beginning with Franklin Roosevelt.
But Thurmond says he’s as enthusiastic as any freshman.
“Of course, I’m excited. This is the most deliberative body in the world,” he said. “I feel like the youngest senator in this chamber.”
Earlier in his career, Thurmond was the States Rights presidential nominee, a leading opponent of civil rights legislation and staunch supporter of racial segregation.
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