Bill Clinton pays tribute to George Kell

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http://www.detnews.com/article/20090325/SPORTS0104/903250446/1004/Clinton+pays+tribute+to+Kell

Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Clinton pays tribute to Kell
Lynn Henning / The Detroit News


PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Another tribute to the late Tigers announcer George Kell came from a longtime political acquaintance, former President Bill Clinton.

Kell, who died Tuesday at the age of 86, and Clinton became friends during the early 1980s when Clinton ran for governor of Arkansas and Kell was a member of the state's Highway Commission. Clinton has always credited Kell for providing support that helped him get elected governor, which led to Clinton's election to the White House in 1992.

"George Kell graced the game of baseball and always remained a legend in his home state," Clinton said in a statement. "We were friends for almost 30 years and his invaluable role during my run for governor in 1982 is something I'll always be grateful for.

"Hillary and I liked and admired him so much. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

Kell was born in Swifton, Ark., and kept a home there his entire life.

Kell and Clinton shared a centrist Democratic philosophy that did not always mean both men were in agreement, much in the way Kell and another friend from Arkansas, Sen. Dale Bumpers, maintained a longtime friendship despite occasionally contentious political views.

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