Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a wonderful member of our Senate family. After 20 years of public service, Gerry Counihan is retiring from his post as Senate elevator operator. In 1991, shortly after earning a degree from Franciscan University, Gerry began his Capitol Hill journey working in the mailroom for Senator John McCain. Gerry then moved on to become a Capitol tour guide in 1997, where he distinguished himself with his enthusiasm and strong work ethic. Ted Daniel, former director for the Capitol's visitor services, hired Gerry, and remembers that on Gerry's first day he came to work thoroughly prepared, standing head and shoulders above his peers. It was this passion and ``can-do'' attitude that led Gerry to become an integral part of the tour guide team that every day bring history to life for visitors. Gerry even made Capitol history himself. He gave the first public tour following the fatal shooting of two U.S. Capitol Police officers in 1998. And when the Capitol reopened to visitors following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Gerry again was chosen to lead the first tour. Sadly, in 2007 Gerry was a victim of a home invasion as he was getting ready for work one morning. He suffered a near fatal assault and the mailman found him 3 hours later on his neighbor's steps where he had gone for help. Gerry spent 5 weeks in the hospital relearning basic skills, not certain he would ever walk again.…”