Political Happenings

Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, says he is optimistic as Congress makes strides toward approving a memorial to the crew of the fallen Space Shuttle Columbia, a tribute made possible through Gohmert's bill, the Columbia Space Shuttle Memorial Study Act. The legislation passed the Senate on Thursday.

"The Senate's passage of the Columbia Space Shuttle Mem-orial Study Act moves us one step closer toward properly honoring the brave seven aboard the shuttle as well as the heroic efforts of many East Texans who selflessly committed themselves to the search and recovery efforts," Gohmert said.

"I'm grateful for Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's partnership in securing passage of this legislation, and considering what a challenge it is to get a bill passed in the Senate, her efforts at passage should be applauded all the more."

The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County will hold a forum for candidates for all May local elections at 7 p.m. April 21 at the Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College Ave.

For more information, call 903-597-9111.

The Smith County Repub-lican Women's Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Traditions Restaurant, 6205 S. Broadway Ave.

The program will be a forum for Tyler mayoral candidates Barbara Bass, Laura Corbett and Keith Pyron.

For more information, call 903-581-6795.

Political Happenings are compiled by staff writer Roy Maynard, who can be reached at 903-596-6291 or at roymaynardtmt@g-mail.com.