Impeachment Clerk Is Killed; Remembered as Senate ‘Fixture’
- Share via
WASHINGTON — The Senate impeachment trial began Saturday with prayers and words of remembrance for Raymond Scott Bates, a legislative clerk killed by a driver Friday night.
Bates, 50, was known for his deep-voiced intonation of the roll call during the impeachment trial.
“Senators come and senators go, but Scott has been a fixture in this Senate for the last 30 years,” said Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.).
Senators stood for a moment of silence. Bates’ seat below that of U.S. Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist was empty except for a black ribbon tied across it and flowers on the desk.
Bates and his wife, Ricki Ellison Bates, were hit while crossing a highway in Arlington, Va., Friday evening. Mrs. Bates was listed in critical condition.
The driver, who was not identified, had non-life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating the accident.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
