Political Quotes

“I wish to thank my colleague from California Senator Boxer for her very eloquent and powerful words on behalf of my client and friend Gina McCarthy and her appointment as Administrator of the EPA. I don't make any pretense of matching the persuasiveness of her statement on behalf of Gina McCarthy, but I am going to be speaking throughout this week and for as long as it takes about Gina McCarthy because she is not only a client and friend, she is a consummate public servant and environmental protector. I have known Gina McCarthy for many years. In fact, I was her lawyer, which is why I say she was a client. As her lawyer, as attorney general of the State, she became a friend, not just because of her personal qualities of integrity and intelligence but because of her professionalism as an environmental protector who has sought always to recognize the need for a balance between environmental activism and economic growth. She recognizes a balance involving ardent and passionate protection of environmental values as much as anyone could possibly bring to this task. She also brings a willingness to listen, a willingness to hear all sides and consider all facts and, in fact, act as a passionate fact finder and lawyer as well as someone who respects the letter and spirit of the law. I wish to speak to my colleagues about her respect for the law. It isn't just the letter of the law she follows; it is the spirit and intent of the legislature.…”