Pat Quinn Helps Dog Get Adopted

Pat Quinn

Pol Light Moment #89 happened on August 19, 2014, when Pat Quinn went on the Steve and Steve Pet Adoption Segment on WGN Radio and helped a dog named Marvin get adopted. Pat Quinn was the Governor of Illinois from 2009-2015. From 2003-2009 he was the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.

Marvin was a dog being cared for by the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago and was in need of a loving home. Dog lover Steve Cochran started a monthly Steve and Steve Pet Adoption Segment on WGN Radio in August and Pat Quinn came on the first show to help Marvin get adopted on live radio (Chicago Now, Steve Dale's Pet World, August 19, 2014). The program was successful and Marvin was adopted.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Pat Quinn is in Wikipedia Creative Commons and taken by Chris Eaves.

Mitt Romney Helps Rescue Boaters

Mitt Romney

Pol Light Moment #88 happened on July 5, 2003, when Mitt Romney and his sons helped rescue boaters whose boat had taken on water. Mitt Romney was the Governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2007 and has been a candidate for President of the United States in 2008 and 2012.

On the July 4th weekend in 2003, Mitt Romney and his sons were at their home in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. On Saturday, July 5, 2003, they noticed a family in Lake Winnipesaukee who was in the water and had been forced to abandon their sinking boat.  Romney and his sons boarded a Jet Ski and went out in the lake to help rescue the family members, which included a family dog.

According to BuzzFeed.com, the situation was resolved in this way:

The Governor heaved the youngest two women onto his Jet Ski, a three-seater, and raced back to shore. The two Romney sons stayed with the rest of the family until the Governor returned to ferry the rest of the family, and their dog, safely to dry land (Andrew Kaczynski, February 27, 2012).

The following are some news articles on the Independence Day weekend in 2003, when Mitt Romney helped rescue stranded boaters.

• Massachusetts Governor Helps Rescue Boaters
• The Heroic Romney Rescue That, For Some Reason, The Campaign Doesn't Talk About
• Did You Know Mitt Romney Rescued NJ Family in Sinking Boat using a JETSKI? - K38 Water Safety

Mitt Romney has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Mitt Romney posts search with Mitt Romney label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo in this post is used from Wikipedia and is attributed to Cage Skidmore.

John Kasich Declares Scarlet Letter Saturday

John Kasich

Pol Light Moment #87 ocurred on November 29, 2013, when John Kasich made a resolution declaring Saturday, November 30, 2013 as 'Scarlet Letter Saturday' in Ohio, urging that the letter 'M' not be used whenever possible.  John Kasich is the Governor of Ohio, serving from 2011-the present. From 1983-2001, John Kasich represented Ohio's 12th District in the House of Representatives.

On November 30, 2013, the Ohio State Buckeyes played their annual rival football game with the Michigan Wolverines.  In order to show their support for Ohio State, John Kasich, himself a 1974 graduate of Ohio State University, and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, made a resolution, saying, "We do hereby recognize Saturday, November 30, 2013 as 'Scarlet Letter Saturday' throughout Ohio. We encourage all Ohioans to avoid using the letter 'M' when possible (ESPN, November 29, 2013)."

The following is a tweet that John Kasich made about the resolution on November 30, 2013.

Re*e*ber, it's Scarlet Letter Day in Ohio. Go #Buckeyes! http://t.co/TA2NSzU9x2
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) November 30, 2013

The following are some news articles on John Kasich urging Ohioans to refrain from using the letter "m" on November 30, 2013.

• ESPN, Ohio Urged to Boycott Letter 'M'
• USA Today, Gov. Kasich has fun with Ohio State vs. Michigan game
• Fox News, Governor Kasich Declares "Scarlet Letter Saturday" ahead of Ohio State-Michigan game

The text of the entire resolution for Scarlet Letter Saturday is available on the State of Ohio website.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of John Kasich is in the Public Domain.

Bill Clinton Convinces Fleetwood Mac To Reunite for Inaugural Ball

Bill Clinton

Pol Light Moment #86 is when Bill Clinton brought the rock music band known as Fleetwood Mac together for his Inaugural Ball on January 19, 1993. Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States and served from 1993-2001. He also served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1983-1992. The Fleetwood Mac song "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" had become the unofficial campaign song for Bill Clinton in his 1992 Presidential Campaign.

Because of some conflicts in the group, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Steve Nicks of Fleetwood Mac had not been on the same stage performing since 1982 (Ultimate Classic Rock, 20 Years Ago: Fleetwood Mac Performs at President-Elect Clinton's Inauguration). Bill Clinton was able to convince the group to put aside their differences and reunite to do a live performance together of their song Don't Stop for his Inaugural Ball  on January 19, 1993, the evening before he was sworn in as President (History.com, This Day in History).

Here is a video of Fleetwood Mac performing at Bill Clinton's Inaugural Ball.

Quote Light: Bill Clinton has a page on the Quote Light blog.

Bill Clinton has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Bill Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Bill Clinton is in the public domain.

Harry Truman Shares His Life's Prayer

Pol Light Moment #85 is when Harry Truman shared his life's prayer on August 15, 1950. Harry Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from 1945-1953.

According to President Truman: "The prayer on this page has been said by me--by Harry S. Truman--from high school days, as a window washer, bottle duster, floor scrubber in an Independence, Mo., drugstore, as a timekeeper on a railroad contract gang, as an employee of a newspaper, as a bank clerk, as a farmer riding a gang plow behind four horses and mules, as a fraternity official learning to say nothing at all if good could not be said of a man, as public official judging the weaknesses and shortcomings of constituents, and as President of the United States of America." (8/15/50)

Oh! Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth and the Universe :-

Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right; make me truthful, honest and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving and patient with my fellowmen - help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings -- even as Thou understandest mine! Amen, Amen, Amen

(Source: Truman Library Website).

Harry Truman has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Harry Truman posts search with Harry Truman label at Pol Light. Also, Harry Truman's grand son was featured in the Pol Light post Clifton Truman Daniel Visits Japan.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Harry Truman is in the Public Domain.

Ronald Reagan Writes Letter to 7th Grader With Messy Bedroom

Ronald Reagan

Pol Light Moment #84 occurred on May 11, 1984, when Ronald Reagan sent a letter to a 7th Grader named Andy Smith who had a messy room and had written the President to ask him to provide funds to clean up his room since his mother had declared it a disaster area. Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981-1989.

Andy Smith, a seventh grader in 1984, had written to Ronald Reagan saying, "Today my mother declared my bedroom a disaster area. I would like to request federal funds to hire a crew to clean up my room (Letters of Note)."

Ronald Reagan responded back to Andy Smith's note with this letter.

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Andy Smith
Irmo, South Carolina 
May 11, 1984 

Dear Andy,

I'm sorry to be so late in answering your letter but as you know I've been in China and found your letter here upon my return. 

Your application for disaster relief has been duly noted but I must point out one technical problem: the authority declaring the disaster is supposed to make the request. In this case your mother. 

However setting that aside I'll have to point out the larger problem of available funds. This has been a year of disasters, 539 hurricanes as of May 4th and several more since, numerous floods, forest fires, drought in Texas and a number of earthquakes. What I'm getting at is that funds are dangerously low.

May I make a suggestion? This administration, believing that government has done many things that could better be done by volunteers at the local level, has sponsored a Private Sector Initiative program, calling upon people to practice voluntarism in the solving of a number of local problems. 

Your situation appears to be a natural. I'm sure your mother was fully justified in proclaiming your room a disaster. Therefore you are in an excellent position to launch another volunteer program to go along with the more than 3,000 already underway in our nation—congratulations. 

Give my best regards to your mother. 

Sincerely, 

Ronald Reagan 

(Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters, 2004)

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This letter above by Ronald Reagan was also featured on the Letters of Note website on June 19, 2012.

Ronald Reagan has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Ronald Reagan posts search with the Ronald Reagan label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Ronald Reagan is in the Public Domain.

Ted Kulongoski Lives on Food Stamp Diet for a Week

Ted Kulongoski

Pol Light #83 is when Ted Kulongoski lived on a food stamps budget for Hunger Awareness Week in Oregon during the week of April 23, 2007. Ted Kulongoski served as the Governor of Oregon from 2003-2011.

The practice of temporarily living on a food budget equal to what the needy receive in the form of food stamps is sometimes referred to by groups as a food stamp challenge. As a sitting Governor, at the time Ted Kulongoski became one of the highest profile political figures in the 21st Century to publically take a food stamp challenge.   The average person on food stamps in Oregon in 2007 received $3.00 per day, so in keeping with that Ted Kulongoski and his wife Mary Oberst decided to jointly live on $42.00 worth of food for the week of April 23, 2007 to raise Hunger Awareness.

Here are some articles about Ted Kulongoski living on food stamps for a week.

• Ore. governor starts week on food stamps - USATODAY.com
• A Governor Truly Tightens His Belt

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Ted Kulongoski is in the Public Domain.

Woodrow Wilson Proclaims First Mother's Day

Woodrow Wilson

Pol Light #82 is when Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the First Mother's Day Holiday on May 9, 1914. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. He also served as Governor of New Jersey from 1911 to 1913.

The following words were issued by Woodrow Wilson on May 9, 1914 for the observance of the first Mother's Day.

“Now, Therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the said Joint Resolution, do hereby direct the government officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings and do invite the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places on the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country [Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum].”

The observance of Mother's Day continues after 100 years on the second Sunday in May of every year.

An image of the original Mother's Day proclamation can be viewed at the National Archives Website as well.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Woodrow Wilson is in the Public Domain.

George Washington Frees His Slaves in His Will

Pol Light Moment #81 was when George Washington put in his will to have his slaves freed. He died on December 14, 1799. George Washington (1732-1799) was the First President of the United States, serving from 1789-1797. Prior to serving as President he was a military leader when the United States was struggling for it's freedom as a nation.

Washington specified in his Last Will and Testament that all of his slaves would be freed upon his wife's death. However, his wife, Martha Washington freed all his slaves on January 1, 1801, a little over a year after his death (MountVernon.org).

"In addition to ordering their freedom, Washington's Last Will and Testament commanded his heirs to clothe and feed those slaves who were incapable of supporting themselves due to age or infirmity. His estate continued to fulfill this responsibility for over three decades (MountVernon.org)."

In 1786, George Washington expressed his feelings on slavery when he said,"I can only say there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it (Source - PBS.org)."  The act of freeing one's slaves is called manumission and George Washington accomplished this legally by putting provisions in his Last Will and Testament.

George Washington has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the George Washington Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of George Washington in this post is in the Public Domain and was obtained on Wikipedia.

Jimmy Carter Teaches Sunday School

Jimmy Carter

Pol Light Moment #80 is Jimmy Carter teaching Sunday School. After leaving office in 1981, Jimmy Carter began regularly teaching Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.  Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977-1981. Prior to that he served as the Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975.

The following is a news story about Jimmy Carter teaching Sunday School in Plains, Georgia.

Jimmy Carter has been teaching Sunday School for decades and he most recently taught at Maranatha Baptist Church on September 28, 2014. He is not scheduled to teach Sunday School in October, but is scheduled at this point for each Sunday in November, 2014. The following video has some excerpts of Jimmy Carter teaching Sunday School.

Jimmy Carter has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Jimmy Carter Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo in this post is in the Public Domain as an official photo of the United States government.

Chris Christie Secretly Has Weight-Loss Surgery

Chris Christie

Pol Light Moment #79 happened in February, 2013, when Chris Christie secretly checked himself into a hospital to undergo weight-loss surgery. Chris Christie has served as the Governor of New Jersey since 2010.

Chris Christie has struggled with a weight problem for years and in February of 2013 he decided to secretly undergo the weight-loss surgery referred to as lap-band surgery. Although it eventually became public knowledge, his decision to secretly have the surgery underscored the personal nature of his decision to take steps toward improving his health.

The following is a news story about Chris Christie's weight-loss surgery.

The following are news stories on Chris Christie's weight-loss surgery.

• Still Not Skinny, Christie Cheered as a Weight-Loss Surgery Success - NBC News
• Lap-Band surgery has helped Chris Christie shed pounds: Here's what to know before you go under the knife 
• Christie Had Weight-Loss Surgery

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Chris Christie is in the Public Domain.

Scott Brown Shares About Being Abused as a Child

Scott Brown

Pol Light Moment #78 is when Scott Brown shared that he was abused as a child. The revelations were made public on February 17, 2011, in advance of a 60 Minutes interview Brown did later that week. They are also shared in Scott Brown's memoirs called Against All Odds: My Life of Hardships, Fast Breaks, and Second Chances.  Scott Brown served as a United States Senator for Massachusetts from 2010-2013. Prior to that he served 12 years in the State legislator in Massachusetts. 
Scott Brown revealed in 2011 that he was physically abused by his stepfathers and sexually abused by a summer camp counselor growing up as a child from a broken home. Scott Brown said, "It's taken 42 years to even talk about it. And I'm not out to settle any scores, but if I can help people certainly move forward with their lives by talking about it (CBS News, April 6, 2011)." Footage of the 60 Minutes interview where Scott Brown talked about his abuse are in this YouTube video. 

Scott Brown's revelation had an impact. It was revealed in April, 2011, that because of Scott Brown sharing his story an anonymous man came forward with allegations of similar sexual abuse at the same camp Brown had attended as a child (CBS News, April 6, 2011).  In addition, 13 former campers came forward stating they experienced abuse as well at the same camp (New York Times, April 12, 2011).

Here are some news articles on Scott Brown's revelation of childhood abuse.

• Scott Brown's story prompts new abuse allegation
• Scott Brown: I Was Molested as a Kid
• Senator Scott Brown’s searing childhood, and his improbable rise - The Boston Globe
• The Pros and Cons of Revealing Sexual Abuse

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Scott Brown is in the Public Domain.

Marty Flynn Uses Gun to Fend Off Would Be Robber

Marty Flynn

Pol Light Moment #77 happened on October 14, 2014, when Marty Flynn used his gun to defend against a would be robber near the Pennsylvania state capital. Martin "Marty" Flynn is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 113 District. He has served since 2013.

Rep. Marty Flynn is licensed to carry a concealed handgun and he used that arm to protect himself and Rep. Ryan Bizzarro from a would be robber who had a gun and demanded money from them on October 14, 2014.  According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, "Rep. Marty Flynn (Luzerne), a former corrections officer and a mixed martial-arts fighter who has co-sponsored gun safety seminars across the state, traded the gunfire with the robber after he and Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (Erie) were stopped on their way back to their Harrisburg residence (Philadelphia Inquirer, October 15, 2014)."  After Marty Flynn exchanged fire for a while with the would-be robber, he and Ryan Bizzarro were able to flee and contact law enforcement. No one was hit or injured by the gunfire exchange.

Here are some online articles about the incident where Marty Flynn used his gun to fend off a would be robber.

• Armed Robbery Suspect Targets a Democratic Lawmaker — Take a Guess How That Situation Ended
• Statehouse Shootout: Pa. lawmaker exchanges gunfire with would-be robber
• Two lawmakers involved in shoot-out with robbers near Capitol

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The source of the image above is the Pennsylvania House Media Center. 

Rick Snyder Walks Mackinac Bridge with Robot

Rick Snyder

Pol Light Moment #76 is when Rick Snyder walked across the Mackinac Bridge with a robot at Michigan's annual Labor Day Walk on September 1, 2014. Rick Snyder is presently the Governor of the State of Michigan, serving from 2011 to the present.

The annual 5 mile walk across the Mackinac Bridge which connects the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan is a tradition that has taken place every year since 1959. The walk is usually led by the Governor of Michigan, but in 1992 President George H.W. Bush led the procession.

On September 1, 2014, Rick Snyder chose to walk across the Mackinac Bridge with a robot known as "The Pi Guy", who was created by high school students from the FIRST robotics team at Macomb International Academy in Armada, Michigan.  Students who built the robot also accompanied Rick Snyder on the walk.

More Information: Here are some articles about Rick Snyder walking across the Mackinac Bridge with a robot on September 1, 2014.

Armada students and their robot ready to walk Mackinac Bridge

Robot joins Snyder for Mackinac Bridge Walk

Gov. Rick Snyder leads annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day

Rick Snyder has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Rick Snyder posts search with Rick Snyder label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Rick Snyder is in the Public Domain.

Hillary Clinton Comforts Military Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

Pol Light Moment #75 took place on October 1, 2014, when Hillary Clinton spoke in New York at an event for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and comforted military families who had lost loved ones. Hillary Clinton was speaking at the event because she received the Lifetime Service Award from the group. Hillary Clinton served as the First Lady from 1993-2001, when her husband Bill Clinton was President. She has also served as a U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State.

Hillary Clinton had the opportunity to listen to the stories of the surviving family members of United States military and during her speech she said,

At a time when sometimes we seem divided and people seem to be arguing all the time we really have to take stock of how blessed we are and grateful for the men and women who serve us and be thankful that we have through all of our ups and downs and our challenges continues to stand for the values that unite us: freedom and democracy and opportunity and by supporting you all who will serve in the future--Hillary Clinton (ABC News, October 1, 2014).

More Information: You can read more information about Hillary Clinton comforting military families who have lost loved ones at these links.

• Hillary Clinton Comforts Military Families Who've Lost Loved Ones
• Hillary Clinton "emotional" at event for families of fallen military
• Military kin support group honors Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Hillary Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Hillary Clinton is in the Public Domain.

George W. Bush Creates W100K Bikeride for Veterans

Pol Light #74 is when George W. Bush created the W100K bike ride for veterans that took place for the first time on April 25-27, 2011.  The event is part of the Bush Center's Military Service Initiative and designed to help not only the group of veterans who are selected to participate in the ride, but also to raise awareness on issues facing all veterans after their military service is concluded.  George W. Bush was the 43rd President of the United States, serving from 2001-2009.

The W100K is an annual event held in the Spring in Texas. The 4th Annual W100K was held on May 1-3, 2014. In 2014, 16 veterans from the Afghanistan and Iraq field joined George W. Bush on a three day, 20 mile mountain bike ride on the trails of Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. George W. Bush explains the ride by saying on his website,

"I'll be riding across the deserts of Texas with wounded warriors to show the unbelievable character of our men and women in uniform...it's a ride to herald people who were dealt a severe blow and said, 'I'm not going to let it tear me down.'"--George W. Bush (Bush Center, W100K).

The following is video highlights of the first W100K event that took place in 2011.

Here is a news story CNN did on the 2012 W100K event.

George W. Bush has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all George W. Bush posts search with George W. Bush label at Pol Light.
Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.  

The photo of George W. Bush is in the Public Domain.

Bill Cassidy Helps Sick Airline Passenger

Bill Cassidy

Pol Light Moment #73 is when Bill Cassidy helped a sick passenger on a commercial flight on April 7, 2014.  Bill Cassidy is from Baton Rouge and has represented Louisiana in the United States Senate since January, 2015. He served in the US House of Representatives and represented Louisiana's 6th District from 2009-2015.

On April 7, 2014, Bill Cassidy was on Southwest Airlines flight 2157 headed from New Orleans to Baltimore when he was awoken from his nap by an official call for the help of a doctor on the flight to assist a male passenger who had lost consciousness. Bill Cassidy, a medical doctor by profession who specializes in liver diseases, and another doctor on the flight helped the man regain consciousness. The plane then received priority landing and the man was able to get medical treatment on the ground.

More Information: You can find more information about Bill Cassidy helping a sick airline passenger in these articles.

• Doctor-congressman comes to aid of sick passenger
• Bill Cassidy puts on doctor's hat to treat sick passenger on Southwest flight
• Bill Cassidy helps ill flight passenger

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Bill Cassidy in this post is in the Public Domain.