A “statesman” is defined as “a wise, skillful, and respected political leader.” On March 28, America lost such a person when former U.S. Representative, Senator, and Doctor Tom Coburn died at the age of 72. Statesmen (and women) are needed in times of pandemic-induced uncertainty. Here’s how Coburn exhibited the traits necessary to be a statesman.

Coburn was a member of the 1994 “Republican Revolution,” which came to town promising change and self-imposed term limits. He was one of the few to uphold his term limits promise. His steadfast commitment to his ideals brought joy to conservatives and grief to most everyone who played by Washington’s conventional rules, regardless of their party affiliation.

Few on Capitol Hill were as loved, or as hated, as Coburn. When he got to D.C., he did not hold his fire. He spoke out against what he saw as Newt Gingrich's violation of conservative principles when the latter was Speaker of the House. Coburn's first Senate victory was opposed by practically the entire Washington and Oklahoma GOP establishments.

Candor and integrity would become his defining traits. Unlike most politicians, Coburn cared most about accomplishing legislative victories for the American people and not political advantage...