From Our Point of View: An Outstanding Senator Bows Out In Character

THE State of Michigan is losing a truly outstanding public servant with the retirement of Sen. Philip Hart. Since 1958, when he was first elected to the Senate, Hart has championed the consumer, challenged the monopolies and fought hard for civil rights. For years, most of the issues Hart worried about were out of the mainstream, neglected and unpopular. Hart came close to real power during his stay in the Senate but like many other ambitious senators, he was frustrated by the longevity of southern committee chairmen. Philip Hart, his colleagues say (and what higher praise is there than that?), is the moral authority in the Senate. He is considered by persons of both parties and staff people as the most honest man in the Senate. He is the Senate's conscience, and has been voted the senator with the most integrity. He has the courage to buck powerful interest groups in his home state. His strong stand on gun control (he advocates banning handguns) makes him anathema to Michigan's hunters. He supports busing. He was one of the first to suggest public financing of political campaigns. Still ahead of his time, he years ago suggested legislation for the decriminalization of marijuana. And of course, he was one of those supporting unconditional amnesty. Although he has been far out front on somethings, Hart was late to see the iniquity of the Vietnam war. When he became a I dove, he became a tenacious one but he certainly cannot claim to have been an early bird opponent of the war. But even despite his attacks on the auto industry, Hart has managed to enjoy considerable support from the voters. His opponents have ranged from weak to nondescript; he defeated incumbent Charles Potter, then buried Elly Peterson in 1964 and Lenore Romney in 1970 under a tidal wave of votes. Other Democrats clutched at Phil Hart's ample coattails. Unlike so many of the towering egos in the Senate, Hart has ways managed to maintain a sense of humility. "I'd make a lousy president," he said once, "I'd be a basket case in six weeks." Hart has never pretended that he is either a golden orator or god's gift to the Senate. When he bowed out, he did so in character - quietly and unpretentiously. As Hart's time draws near, wait for the encomiums that will flow from Hart's colleagues in the House and Senate. Behind all the words is a real affection for a man who unsensationally but effectively labored in the service of the people.