Political Quotes

“I want to thank Mike Capuano for organizing this Special Order. Both Steny and Rich have said it well. Everything that is rich about public service is embodied in the service provided by Barry Sullivan. As Rich pointed out, to have come here with Tip O'Neill and Joe Moakley puts you in the pantheon of stars in New England. I point out to Mr. Capuano that Rich Neal is not only the dean of the Massachusetts delegation; he is the dean of the New England delegation, as well. Barry Sullivan is New England through and through. He is Irish. He is Catholic. He is the Red Sox. He is the Celtics. He is the Bruins. He is the Patriots. He gets us through the day. My first encounter with him came over in the Pennsylvania corner where he would be summoned on a regular basis. I thought for a while he was Jack Murtha's personal valet. I did not realize that there was one of those little white buttons that they press. But automatically, Barry would appear out of the backroom and immediately assure Mr. Murtha that things were all right, how things would be done for the day, what time we would get out of here, et cetera. All of the essentials that Members need. The wonderful thing about Barry, his three sons, and Barbara is that they epitomize class. He is such a gentleman, even among the most tense of situations, he is there for all of us--most notably to remind you that you forgot to vote, to stick your card in, and adhere to the rules of the floor here.…”