Political Quotes

“California and the entire Nation lost a remarkable leader yesterday with the passing of my friend, Congressman Tom Lantos. From his leadership as chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to his founding of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, Congressman Lantos went about his work with a dignity and a seriousness that transcended politics. In a time of bitter divisions, he earned the respect of colleagues from both sides of the aisle. As a survivor of the Holocaust, Congressman Lantos brought to Congress a profound personal commitment to human rights. We will remember not only his courage and his optimism, but also his deep affection for his adopted country. He leaves behind a legacy of hope and inspiration. On a personal level, it was an honor to call Tom a colleague and a friend. I was proud to work with him on so many important issues. I remember working with him to secure funding to build a tunnel to bypass a section of Route 1 that was so frequently closed by landslides that it was known as 'Devil's Slide.' It took years, but they broke ground on the tunnel in November. And it is a fitting tribute to the passion with which he served his constituents that there is a bill before the State senate to name that tunnel in his honor. Congressman Lantos was a true statesman, and we will miss him. My heart goes out to his family during this time of grief. They are in our thoughts and in our prayers.”