Howard Phillips, founder of the Constitution Party, died at 3:50 PM, EST Saturday, April 20, 2013.

I met Howard in early 1992 when I was introduced to him by Don McIlvaney. Don asked my choice for the election that year and I said neither so he introduced me to Howard who was trying to start a new party. My wife, Joan and I became the Tennessee delegates to the first national convention.

Over time, Howard mentored me in politics and became a political father to me. Little by little he brought me along as I was able to accept more and more responsibility.  Most of all he was my dear friend and I’ll miss him.