Death Summary: Byrd was admitted to a Washington hospital the day before his death. He was diagnosed as having a heat stroke from dehydration. He died later from health complications arising from the stroke.

Who was Robert Byrd : Robert Byrd was born Cornelius Calvin Sale Jr. in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina in 1917. At one year old, his mother died by way of a flu pandemic. Per their mother's wishes, the kids in the family were dispersed to various relatives. Sale Jr. ended up living with his aunt and uncle in southern West Virginia. Where he would be renamed: Robert Carlyle Byrd.

Byrd's odd beginnings would act as a preamble to a life with some very odd, but interesting outcomes. Byrd graduated high school as valedictorian, and would go on to marry his high school sweetheart, Erma Ora James.

Byrd's political career, oddly enough, had its beginning with the Ku Klux Klan. He joined the organization in 1942, at the age of 24. Upon joining the group, Byrd was almost instantly promoted to the top officer of his unit. He was praised for his leadership, and it was recommended he become involved in politics.

In 1952, Byrd got his start in American politics by being elected into the US House of Representatives. Upon his arrival, Byrd announced he had quit the Klan and said he only joined the group for a sense of excitement and agreed with their anti-communist sentiments. Byrd would continue apologizing, and explaining his Klan ties through the rest of his life.

Even with his Klan ties, Byrd's political standing grew stronger and would act as West Virginia's representative from the 6th district up until 1959. During this time he would move his political standing from representative to Senator.

During his record term as senator, Byrd would come to be somewhat of a loner. He was never known for being partisan, and would vote against the trends of his party. One of his earliest controversial moves was to filibuster the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He filibustered the act for 14 hours. His explanation for the filibuster is that the act impeded the state's rights. He would later regret this decision, and would actually vote for the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Byrd held many positions during his stint as Senator, with his most famous being Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. While serving in this position, Byrd lobbied for sending money to his home state. Byrd was highly renowned for investing in many state projects, from highways to education.

Even in his later years, Byrd was highly involved with the proceedings in the Senate. During 2009, even with his health problems, Byrd was present for all the crucial votes regarding the health care debate.

Categories: Politics.