The same weekend the “classless” Super Bowl halftime show aired, one of Congress’ classiest members announced she is retiring from the House of Representatives at the end of this year.

What a contrast between the crass antics of the entertainers in Houston and the work of Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn in our nation’s capitol. She has served with dignity, respect, and a strong sense of duty. To say she will be missed is an understatement.

Even though Dunn is a dedicated Republican, she works cooperatively and successfully with Democrats. Our country needs bridge builders like Jennifer Dunn in this highly charged partisan era.

She sticks to the issues and fights hard for what she believes in. Rather than stoop to name-calling and smear tactics, Jennifer Dunn respects her opposition, and believes folks have the fundamental right to respectfully disagree. In the 25 years I’ve known her, it was never about personalities. It is always about what she thinks is best for her constituents and the nation.

Even when she chaired the state Republican Party for 11 years, she had all kinds of opportunities to take political potshots, but she remained dignified and stayed above the mudslinging.

Today, she is widely regarded as an expert on tax relief, particularly eliminating the death tax, expansion of free and fair international trade, welfare and IRS reform, overhaul of the tax code, high tech policy, and retirement security.

In 2000, Dunn was the first woman to win the Tax Foundation’s annual Distinguished Service Award and Fortune Magazine included her in the Small Business Power Thirty for her work on behalf of IRAs for homemakers. Ladies’ Home Journal dubbed Dunn one of “America’s 100 Most Important Women, “ and Washingtonian Magazine included Dunn on their list of Washington, DC’s “100 Most Powerful Women.”

She was the first woman to run for House Majority Leader and even House of Representatives. Dunn is often picked to appear on national TV and radio, and delivered the Republican Response to the President’s State of the Union address in 1999.

Jennifer Dunn leaves Congress after 14 years and seven terms. She would be re-elected for life if she chose. But that is not her style. Just as she did as head of the state party, she came, did her best, made an impact, and gracefully passed the torch.

The Eastside Journal said it best: “Jennifer Dunn will leave a remarkable legacy when she steps down from Congress this year. No one has served the 8th District as effectively as she. Her knowledge and savvy will be hard for anyone to replace. Dunn is one of the most respected members of Congress — not only by Republicans, but also by Democrats. She is one of the few who transcends the partisanship that cripples our government.”

Amen.