Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to recognize Julie Hasquet, my longtime press secretary and dedicated staff members, whose way with words, quick wit, and sharp pen has served me and the people of Alaska very well for over 9 years. Julie had a tall task working for my then new mayoral administration for the Municipality of Anchorage as we brought down blighted buildings, drove out drug dealers, and culled out the ``cat lady'' in an effort to clean up the city. Julie staged press events all over town with backdrops that included bulldozers, jackhammers, demolition crews and even a wrecking ball painted as a pumpkin to take down a dilapidated gas station one cold Halloween afternoon. A former television news reporter, Julie expertly guest hosted talk radio shows where she would interview and cajole her own guests, including me, to discuss politics, policy, police, and issues of the day with the ease of a well-seasoned pundit. She used those skills in the mayor's office and in the U.S. Senate to write more than 4,500 press releases, thousands of tweets and texts, and to bring our office into the Facebook age with quips, quotes, and photos to tell the whole story as it was unfolding. Over the years I have watched with pride as Julie has balanced family life with civic duty, raising two smart, talented, daughters, Shelby and Savannah, participating in many charitable organizations, and volunteering at events while spending time with her many friends.…”