Nodine Remembers Friend, Mentor in Haig

Posted on: Feb 22nd, 2010 | News and Announcements

Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine called former Secretary of State and retired Army Gen. Alexander Haig a dear friend, hero, mentor, and father figure after news broke early Saturday that he had died at the age of 85. Nodine served as the advance coordinator for Haig during his 1987-1988 presidential campaign through New Hampshire, Michigan and Florida. He had known Gen. Haig as a family friend and started up a lively correspondence with the general in 1982. At that time, Nodine was an Army private stationed in Germany. Nodine carried on a correspondence with the Haig family ever since. ?He was not gruff, but really down to earth, compassionate, very humorous and a he really had a pulse of the common man,? Nodine said. ?I learned so much from him, especially on foreign policy.? Gen. Haig had a hand in helping Nodine in his political efforts in Mobile. When Nodine found himself in a runoff for a Mobile City Council seat against Charles Waller in 2001, Gen. Haig sent a letter on Nodine?s behalf to all 7th District constituents. Nodine won the race with 2,800 votes to Waller?s 1,900. The victory launched Nodine?s political career. ?I?ve known the Haig family since 1983 and traveled extensively with them through the presidential primary,? said Nodine. ?Alexander Haig was a great man who gave his all to a country he loved. We are better off as a nation and a people for the many efforts he made during his years in public service.? ###