Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I wish to honor a former Member of this Chamber, Senator John Tunney, whose seat I now hold. Senator Tunney passed away on January 12 in Brentwood, CA, at the age of 83. His family and friends will gather on Monday to celebrate his life. The son of a world heavyweight boxing champion, Senator Tunney was born in New York in 1934. After graduating from Yale in 1956, he went on to study law at the University of Virginia. While attending law school, he was roommates with Senator Ted Kennedy, and the two became lifelong friends. After graduating in 1959, he began his career in public service as a JAG lawyer in the Air Force. He was eventually stationed in California, where he settled after leaving the military. He first ran for Congress in 1964, winning a House seat representing Riverside and Imperial Counties. After three terms in the House, when he was only 36 years old, John challenged Senator George Murphy in 1970. It was highly contested election. Senator Murphy shared the ballot with his good friend, then-Governor Ronald Reagan, who was seeking reelection. Despite the Governor's popularity, Senator Tunney was able to win and by a wider margin of victory than the Governor. That campaign would serve as the inspiration for Robert Redford's movie, ``The Candidate.'' Ever the statesmen, Senator Murphy went to Sacramento to meet with Governor Reagan immediately after the election. The two pledged to work together for the betterment of California.…”