WASHINGTON, AUG. 13,
2007-Karl Rove's resignation at the end of this month
will mark the end of a political era, according to Ed Feulner,
president of The Heritage Foundation, who today issued the
following statement:
"We didn't agree on every issue, but Karl deserves praise for
his strong commitment to conservative principles-and for his
unquestionable talent at putting those principles into action.
"Karl was always willing to listen to alternative views and to
seriously weigh their merits-a rare trait in Washington. Moreover,
he was willing to be convinced if the arguments against his
position were strong enough.
"In addition, he eschewed the "small bore" approach to politics
and showed a welcome eagerness to tackle big ideas. He drove the
debate over Social Security reform, for example, and he pushed to
give individuals more choice in health care.
"And despite working in a city that treats politics as a contact
sport, Karl adhered to the principle that policy differences should
not be personalized. He believed in working with others by bringing
different combinations of allies together on different issues.
"When the history of the George W. Bush administration is
written, Karl Rove will rightfully take his place as one of the
most effective 'policy leaders inside government' of the last
decade."