Negotiate tactics but never compromise your principles.
This was the first and perhaps the most important lesson I learned in Washington, and yesterday with little fanfare, one of the most influential men in Washington and my first boss out of college, Paul Weyrich, passed away from an MRSA infection from Diabetes.
Paul started the Heritage Foundation and Free Congress Foundation. I worked for him at Free Congress twice in my career along with my wife, who in the early 90’s traveled with the Weyrichs’ throughout the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe training local politicians and activists on how to run political campaigns and setup small businesses.
Paul had a knack for seeing raw political talent and cultivating it. Some of the best political minds in the country have been under his tutelage. He imparted the understanding of the value of coalitions, and still to this day, his Foundation hosts weekly meetings on such topics as Defense, Economics, Taxes, and Social issues.
Like all other great men, he also had his share of flaws including a hot temper. He liked to fire those who worked for him, or more than likely, he would fire you even if you didn’t work for him – it didn’t really matter. He was also a warm man and once, less than 24 hours of a firing session, we met at the airport on his way to a trip overseas and it was as if it had never happened.
Many don’t remember this, but it was Paul Weyrich who took down the nomination by former President Bush of Senator John Tower who, at the time, was nominated to be Defense Secretary, though they both believed pretty much the same things. Paul was incensed by the senator’s drinking and womanizing problems. He walked over to the hearings unannounced to anyone around him and testified against the Senator at great personal risk.
He had many illnesses and for the last few years, operated full–steam ahead in tremendous pain. He lived with his pain courageously – he never quit and stayed active until the end. He left a legacy, and hopefully, we can all follow his example.
May we never compromise our principles.
Free Congress Foundation: Weyrich Obituary
Wall Street Journal: A Committed Warrior for Human Liberty
Washington Post: Paul Weyrich a Father of the Modern Conservative Movement
USA Today: Conservative Strategist Dies at 66