Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 21, 1995 TAG: 9504210133
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short
Hardy gave up farming and began his political career when he challenged a congressman backed by Byrd. At the time, the backing of Byrd was considered necessary for any Virginia Democrat to succeed.
Hardy won the party primary and the election, and went on to represent the 2nd District from 1947 to 1969, when he retired.
``He won his seat by going to the people of the 2nd District,'' said former Lt. Gov. Henry Howell.
``He didn't go along with the system,'' Howell said. ``He made quite a contribution to good government. ... He was one of the best congressmen we had in my opinion. He'll be missed.''
Hardy, the son of a Methodist minister, was born in Bon Air, then a resort on the outskirts of Richmond. He graduated from Randolph-Macon College and attended Harvard Business School.
Over the years, as he became an increasingly important member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hardy maintained a cordial relationship with Byrd and other organization members.
But Hardy was considered more of a ``national Democrat,'' and his political distance from Byrd contributed to an aura of independence.
Part of the reason for Hardy's popularity with voters was his opposition to civil rights. That opposition softened with time. In an interview three years ago he said, ``I have no problem with it now.''
by CNB