Former U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond, passed away on Tuesday, May 13. He left a lasting impact on Missouri politics and the Jewish community. His decades of public service, from his early days as Missouri’s youngest governor to his four terms in the U.S. Senate, were marked by a steadfast commitment to both his home state and the Jewish people.
From Jefferson City to Capitol Hill
Bond first rose to prominence in the 1970s as Missouri’s governor, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the office. He later made the jump to the U.S. Senate, where he served four terms, building a reputation as a bipartisan dealmaker and a strong advocate for the U.S.-Israel relationship. In a 2011 reflection on his career, Bond said, “I was proud to have been the youngest governor in Missouri history. But I didn’t want to be the oldest senator.”
How the Jewish Light Covered Kit Bond
Bond’s first appearance in the Jewish Light came in a 1970 campaign ad for Missouri State Auditor, introducing him as a fresh-faced newcomer to statewide politics. He went on to win that race, defeating 17-year incumbent Haskell Holman. As state auditor, Bond professionalized the office, boosting the number of certified public accountants from one to seven, setting a reform-minded tone that would define his early political career.
Bond’s next major appearance in the Jewish Light came in the lead-up to the 1972 governor’s race. Bond participated in a candidate forum hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women, featured in the Oct. 18, 1972, issue. He won that race, becoming the youngest governor in Missouri history and marking the start of his long relationship with the state’s Jewish community.
In early 1973, the Jewish Light highlighted several members of the St. Louis Jewish community who joined Bond’s administration following his gubernatorial victory, including Edward Rothman as director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, David R. Levin as deputy counsel to the governor, and Stanley Shanker as a special assistant on economic development. This early outreach helped solidify Bond’s reputation as a leader who valued diversity and community engagement.
Bond’s Rise to the Senate
In 1986, with U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton stepping down, Bond made his move to federal office. He narrowly defeated Lieutenant Governor Harriett Woods, winning 53% to 47%. This victory launched his 24-year Senate career, where he became a consistent advocate for Israel, a supporter of Soviet Jewry and a vocal defender of Jewish causes at home and abroad.
A Friend to the Jewish Community
Bond’s ties to the Jewish community ran deep. He consistently backed U.S. military aid to Israel and pushed for the recognition of Jerusalem as its undivided capital. He also championed the rights of Soviet Jews, working to secure their freedom to emigrate.
Honoring the past
In 1993, Bond was honored with the Anti-Defamation League’s Stuart Raskas Americanism Award for his dedication to Jewish causes and community service. The Jewish Light captured this moment, highlighting Bond’s consistent support for issues important to the Jewish community.
Reflections on retirement
Few voices captured Bond’s relationship with the Jewish community as clearly as Bob Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of the St. Louis Jewish Light.
In a January 12, 2011, column reflecting on Bond’s retirement, Cohn noted that Bond had been a consistent, dependable and sincere friend to the Jewish community. He highlighted Bond’s unwavering support for Israel, his advocacy for Soviet Jews and his efforts to secure federal funding for local projects like the Covenant/Chai Apartments.
Cohn emphasized that Bond’s work deserved the community’s “gratitude” as he transitioned to a post-Senate career with Thompson Coburn, leaving behind a legacy defined by public service, bipartisanship and a deep respect for the Jewish community.
