Two share top leadership award.

• Position: The Legislative Reality - Brief Article

Connecticut House Minority Leader Robert M. Ward and South Carolina Speaker David H. Wilkins share the nation's top legislative honor, the 2004 Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award. This is third time in the 10-year history of the award that co-recipients have been named.

Each year, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the State Legislative Leadership Foundation and the Council of State Governments honor a legislative leader who has exhibited a commitment to protecting and strengthening the institution of the state legislature.

"Speaker Wilkins and Representative Ward have displayed true political courage and leadership during their tenure as legislative leaders," said NCSL Executive Director Bill Pound. "Their ability to forge consensus and tackle difficult public policy challenges have helped preserve the integrity and honor of the legislative institution."

In accepting the award, Representative Ward said, "I am...