CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Chairman of the Jesse Helms Center, Bill Cobey, said if there is one word that sums up Jesse Helms it is “honest.”

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Statements From Political Leaders Regarding The Death Of Jesse Helms

 

A staunch conservative, Helms held views some considered controversial and offensive, but Cobey said he stood for what he believed in.

 

"Senator Helms was very strong in what he believed, but he never presumed that he could tell other people what they should believe,” Cobey said.

 

Cobey joined Helms in Washington, D.C. when he was elected to the US Congress in 1984.

 

"He definitely was one of my mentors,” Cobey said. "He taught me and so many other people the great principals that have made this country great, the real traditional values."

 

"He really was a gentle man, he really loved people and they loved him. Now I’m not talking about his critics on issues, I’m talking about those that knew him personally.” Cobey said.

 

Cobey last saw Helms a few months ago.

 

"I don't know that he recognized me but, you couldn't tell in interacting with him. His personality was there until the end,” Cobey said.

 

He said Helms still greeted him with warmth and never lost his sense of patriotism.

 

"Senator Helms you have a great sense of timing, for somebody who was such a wonderful patriot all your life, loved your country so much, I think it's fantastic that you would leave this world on July 4th,” Cobey said.