It's a melancholy Rundown this week, because we lost a good man Friday.

Dick Heil was an FHSU institution, and we miss him greatly. Dick was my first department chair and taught me a lot of lessons about what it means to be a professor and do your job with integrity. Dick realized that leadership is about empowering people and supporting them -- it's a lesson too few people in leadership positions learn.

Measure of the man

Dick was more than a professor. I remember while house hunting in Hays I went golfing with Dick. Dick Heil was a scratch golfer, whereas I shouldn't be allowed within 1,000 yards of a tee box. Dick was patient and an affable golf partner, traits he extended to the classroom and the department meeting.

Dick was also deeply committed to being a part of the community he lived in. FHSU, Hays, the Optimist Club, and a wonderful family have lost a wonderful man. The real tragedy is that Dick retired to a full life with his wife Gerry, golf and grandkids. But he only got a few years to enjoy a well-earned retirement. Rest in peace, Dick, we miss you more than we ever let you know.

Tuesday's elections

Off-year elections are always a struggle to interpret from, especially congressional races that are specific to one area and don't necessarily relate to national trends. While you might think Tuesday was a GOP win, one candidate was a highly conservative third-party member and the other played as moderate as can be. So there's really no lesson to be learned other than one: Have a good candidate. Congressional races are closely tied to personality and charisma. Without those, candidates go nowhere.

More second-guessing

One of the things I praised President Barack Obama for in the beginning of his administration was an extension of his campaign promise to be more open. Sadly, the Obama administration is keeping the same approach as the Bush administration, repeatedly invoking the "state secrets" doctrine to avoid transparency on private citizen surveillance.

Just for the record, it's wrong no matter who does it: Both Bush and Obama fail here.

Chapman Rackaway is an associate professor of political science at Fort Hays State University.