WASHINGTON â€" There are few occasions these days that bring together Democrats and Republicans in bipartisan unity. But on Thursday evening, one of those rare displays occurred in a grand, gilded room near the Capitol.
Democratic and Republican senators gathered to celebrate the life of their former colleague, Warren B. Rudman, who died last month.
There was a healthy contingent from New Hampshire, Mr. Rudman's home state. David H. Souter, a former Supreme Court justice and a Republican, joined Jeanne Shaheen, the state's Democratic senator, in delivering introductory remarks. Kelly Ayotte, the state's Republican senator, delivered a tribute of her own.
Other Republicans there included John McCain of Arizona, and a host of former senators including Howard Baker, Bill Brock and Fred Thompson, all of Tennessee. Phil Gramm of Texas and William S. Cohen of Maine were on hand as well.
The top Democrat in the room was Vice President Joseph R. Biden J r. And his fellow Democrats included Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, and Daniel Inouye of Hawaii.
Mr. Souter characterized what his old friend Mr. Rudman might have made of his responsibility as the evening's emcee. “The old golden gloves boxer in him would say, ‘You're the referee,' †Mr. Souter said. “But under any title, I'm very honored.â€
