Political Quotes

“like each and every Member of this body, I was surprised--shocked is not too strong a word--when our colleague from New Jersey announced that he would not be running for a fourth term in the Senate. I could not help but feeling that with the loss of Senator Bradley, the Senate would be losing one of its most intellectual, thoughtful, and hard-working Members, perhaps one of its most unique ever. Bill Bradley is indisputably capable, an outstanding student of and original thinker on major economic and foreign policy issues, as well as a reflection of mainstream public opinion in this country. He is careful and deliberate in his judgments, and often provides a fresh and enlightening perspective on the many complex issues that come before the Senate. Our Nation's tax structure has been one of the focuses of Senator Bradley's distinguished career in public service. His 1982 fair tax proposal led directly to the landmark 1986 tax reform bill. The plan was to cut tax rates sharply and eliminate most preferences and tax shelters. He took a broad concept and, in characteristic fashion, filled in the details with exacting care. This was a major piece of legislation whose passage was remarkable, especially since Senator Bradley had relatively little seniority and was, at the time, serving in the minority.”