Jack Kemp, the Buffalo congressman who became Bob Dole's vice-presidential running mate in 1996, died this past weekend.

Kemp, a grandfather to 17, lost his battle with cancer and, of course, is being remembered by many this week.

Elizabeth Dole recalled Kemp's "unceasing energy and boundless enthusiasm" for causes he believed in. Bob Dole said: "If you ever wanted to meet an eternal optimist, there was one. There was a solution to everything. He inspired a lot of people."

As you see in the above photo, I had a chance to meet Kemp in 1991. He was in Lake Geneva for a speech, and I was working for former Milwaukee County Executive David F. Schulz.

I always liked Kemp's entrepreneurial and optimistic approach to politics. His empowerment zone idea never took off during his tenure as housing secretary, but the idea eventually resulted in the transformation off many lives and neighborhoods. In addition, he worked with John Edwards on policy and seemed to always stay true to free market principles.

Anyway, now is not a time to talk politics. It's time to remember a fun visit for a budding youngster (me) with a former football player and politician who, if I remember correctly, had huge hands and a big smile. Rest in peace, Jack.