Political Quotes

“I wish to expand on what the Senator from Utah was just talking about. To put this in context, I remind my colleagues we are talking about the nomination of a very distinguished lawyer, Miguel Estrada, by President Bush to serve on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. There have been two primary objections recently raised by Members of the other side of the aisle to this nomination. The first includes a recitation of a long list of nominees of previous Presidents--I presume primarily President Clinton--who allegedly were not considered by the Republicans. I do not have the information. It has not been given to me, so I cannot vouch for its authenticity. But if that is the basis for denying a vote to Mr. Estrada, then it is nothing more than retribution or spite. I cannot believe that is the motivation of any of my colleagues on the other side. I refuse to believe that. So of what relevance is it that in previous Congresses some other President's nominee was or was not given a vote? What is the relevance to this individual, Miguel Estrada, who, by everyone's admission, is an extraordinarily well qualified lawyer? It has no relevance at all.”