Political Quotes

“Mr. President, this Saturday Alaskans will observe ``Ted Stevens Day,'' a living memory to Alaska's greatest Senator, who left us 7 years ago next month. As family, friends, and former staffers of Senator Stevens gather in Alaska for this annual observance, many will take time off on Thursday to honor a beloved member of the Stevens' team, Ted's loyal assistant and State director, Barbara Andrews-Mee, who passed away earlier this year. I will not be able to attend this event because the Senate will be in session on Thursday, but I wanted to take this opportunity to speak in memory of this loyal and dedicated employee of the U.S. Senate, as well as great friend of Alaska. Barb's tenure with Senator Stevens long predates his Senate service. Barb began working with Ted in 1962, 2 years after she came to Alaska. She followed him to the Alaska Legislature and the U.S. Senate, retiring in 1997. Upon her retirement, Stevens said, ``For half of my life--and two-thirds of hers--Barbara Andrews-Mee has been my boss. . . .'' Barb returned the compliment noting that she had been with Ted Stevens longer than she had been with three husbands. Barb had a great sense of humor and a huge and welcoming personality. She was regarded as a mentor and grandmother-like figure to generations of young staffers who went to work for Senator Stevens. She could sure turn a phrase. Alaska humorist Mike Doogan published a few of Barb's quips in the Anchorage Daily News to celebrate her retirement.…”