Campbell a legend to all Democrats

By Jennifer Goodlove

Monday morning, I heard of the passing of Edward Campbell and quickly rearranged my schedule so that I could attend the funeral in Des Moines for this former friend and mentor. Having been knee deep in a new business and a busy Mother's Day week, I missed any mention of Edward's passing. I was surprised to see that not much was mentioned in the media.

His funeral was a great tribute to a legendary man, attended by many state Democratic leaders and former President Bill Clinton.

I was one of many who worked with Ed and his wife, Bonnie, and became a close friend to both. While working with the Seifert's company, I dressed Bonnie and came to know Edward as he would walk through the Kaleidoscope Mall in downtown Des Moines. Bonnie and I became good friends, and after being cornered by Edward at one of Bonnie's chili fundraising events, he would not take no in having me come to work on Bonnie's campaign for governor in 1994.

Ed Campbell was like the gift that kept on giving. This man had the gruff roar of a lion, but the softness of a pussy cat with a twinkle in his eyes. Edward was a tough, fierce competitor who adored his wife and friend, Bonnie.

Many nights, Edward and I worked late on the campaign, figuring out the best events to raise money. I'm sure Edward was looking down on the funeral, thinking that we should have charged admission for such a great event. Even in death, Edward brought us to tears and laughter through the stories told Monday.

I remember one night, Ed and I were working, and I told him I didn't feel that great. He drove me home. The next morning, I awoke to being almost paralyzed and called his friend, Neddie Chiodo, who carried me down two flights of stairs and had Edward meet us at the hospital. As I lay in the emergency room, I could hear Edward scowling at the doctors to get me my personal room, do this, do that; he was totally taking charge. That was Edward at his best.

I ended up having spinal meningitis, and Edward called my family. He spent nights in the hospital with my mom and just loved talking with her. He stayed by my side and made sure no doctor even touched me without being heavily scrutinized by him. Edward had a way about him that captivated a room. By the end of the day, he had nurses eating out of his hand and knew the stories of them all.

When I lived in Chicago, Bonnie and Edward moved to Washington, D.C. Blair Hull and I met with them to discuss Blair's run for Senate in Illinois. Edward was brilliant at strategizing and knowing how the political machine works.

Edward was one of the kindest people I have known, and I am thankful how he and Bonnie have touched my life. They were the true love of each other.

Edward deserves more than a few paragraphs for all those he touched and what he has done for the Democratic Party in Iowa and for the country. He will be missed, and I hope that you look back over his accomplishments. He is a man who overcame so many negatives that life can throw us. I will miss him very much.

Edward, you were one of the best.

Jennifer Goodlove is the owner of Farmer's Daughter's Market in Hiawatha. Comments: goodlovejen@cs.com