JON KYL: RETIRING AFTER 26 YEARS IN D.C.

Age: 70. Party: Republican. Family: Wife, Caryll; two grown children, Kristine Kyl Gavin, who lives in the Washington, D.C., area, and John Kyl, who lives in Phoenix. Public office: U.S. senator since 1995. Elected GOP whip in December 2007. Served in U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995. Legislative accomplishments: Sat on the influential Senate Judiciary and Finance committees. Was a former chairman of the Senate’s anti-terrorism subcommittee and was recognized as a U.S. counterterrorism expert. Co-authored the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. Negotiated and shepherded through Congress several landmark water settlements. Professional background: Lawyer at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon in Phoenix. Former chairman of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science and law degree from the University of Arizona. Notable: Recognized by magazine in 2010 as one of the 100 “people who most affect our world.” He appeared in the “Leaders” section of the annual “Time 100” list, with President Barack Obama and other well-known political figures. In 2006, named him one of the 10 best senators. say in Tucson or Kingman.

Kyl also never begrudged the better-known McCain for his spot on the national and international stage, saying they each served their state in different ways. He hinted at how he viewed the relationship when on election night in November, he referred to Flake as “another wingman” for McCain.

A national leader

selor role, I certainly want to do that. And I very much want to have a lot to do here in Arizona even though I will probably also be doing some things in Washington.”

Kyl’s exit will result in a loss of stature for Arizona. Only three other Arizonans have ascended to the top echelon of Senate or House leadership: Sen. Ernest McFarland, a Democrat who was Senate majority leader from 1951 to 1953; Sen. Carl Hayden, a seven-term Democrat who was Senate president pro tempore, and third in line to the presidency, from1957 to1969; and Rep. John Rhodes, a Republican who was

“He ranks right up there with the very, very best that we have ever had,” McCain said of Kyl.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., called Kyl “an absolutely invaluable partner” whose “good judgment” and cooperation will be missed by the Senate GOP caucus.

“There are two things I think you need to know about Jon Kyl before you begin any discussion,” McConnell told

“Number 1, he’s absolutely brilliant, and, Number 2, he knows how to play team ball. Being in a legislative body is a team sport, but there’s not much of a payoff for it because (the media is) always looking for someone who is not playing team ball.”

When Kyl spoke, people actually listened, something not true of every senator, McConnell said.

“To be effective in a group with a bunch of class-president types requires a particular skill, and he has that in great abundance,” McConnell said. “And whatever he chooses to do next, I’m sure he will be conspicuously successful with that as well.”

The respect for Kyl extends to the other side of the aisle.

Feinstein, the California Democrat, said she enjoyed working with Kyl, whom she characterized as “a dedicated public servant,” particularly on crime victims’ rights. They also collaborated over the years on border-security and anti-terrorism issues.

“Because of our work together on the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, victims of violent crimes are now afforded many critical a Texas governor. Kyl said his VP vetting got “pretty far” before Dick Cheney, who led the search, decided to take the job himself.

“I would have loved to have been selected, but I’m glad Dick selected himself,” Kyl said. In a telephone interview with

Cheney said he could not confirm the details of the 2000 running-mate search because the process was confidential, but he did stress the high regard in which he holds Kyl, whom he got to know when both served in the House, and said he considers him a personal friend.

“I’d have been very happy with Jon Kyl as the president of the United States,” Cheney said. “I think he was that good.”