Political Quotes

“I want to make particular reference to the members of my staff, beginning with Jeremy Sharp and Tamar Magarik Haro who did a wonderful job. Jeremy Sharp's father is former Congressman Phil Sharp. He was part of the class with Max Baucus and Tom Harkin and me, Henry Waxman and George Miller, who played a critical role in the debate in the House. Both Tamar and Jeremy were tireless in this effort, going back many months. I am deeply grateful to them. Jim Fenton is my legislative director and played a very important role as well in those efforts. Then, of course, there are the other members of the HELP Committee, many of whom, of course, were staff members of Ted Kennedy. I inherited their expertise, their knowledge, their great abilities when Ted was laid up. They continued to work with us, beginning with Carey Parker who is, of course, legendary in this institution, having served with Senator Kennedy since the day he arrived 47 years ago. While not directly on the HELP Committee staff, I can't tell you what a critical role Carey Parker played time and time again during the rough spots. Michael Myers, Pam Smith, Connie Garner, Stacey Sachs, David Bowen--all were tremendously influential in the process. Mark Childress, who worked with Tom Daschle before, was at the White House for a while, came back up and stayed with us on that effort. Mark was invaluable in understanding the rhythms of the Senate, understanding the White House, and we are deeply grateful.”