Byrd, Robert Carlyle

Byrd, Robert Carlyle, 1917–, U.S. senator from West Virginia (1959–), b. North Wilkesboro, N.C., as Cornelius Calvin Sale, Jr. A Democrat, he served (1947–52) in the West Virginia legislature and (1953–59) in the U.S. House of Representatives before entering the Senate. In 1971 he defeated Senator Edward Kennedy for the position of Senate majority whip and was later Senate majority leader (1977–81, 1987–88) and Senate minority leader (1981–87). He also has chaired the Senate appropriations committee (1989–95, 2001–3, 2007–). Byrd is noted for his oratory and his skill in parliamentary maneuvering. He has written several books, including a history of the Senate (1989, based on his addresses) and Losing America (2004).