Tom Carper: “I convey to Senator Chambliss my respect and regards for the way he has handled himself in these negotiations over the…”

“I convey to Senator Chambliss my respect and regards for the way he has handled himself in these negotiations over the last 24 hours. Senator Harkin has done us all a favor. What he has done is reminded us when people make a mistake--and we all make mistakes. God knows I do--we ought to be willing to acknowledge that. There are serious mistakes, as I think Mr. Dorr has made with respect to his comments about diversity and minorities, and things Mr. Dorr has done with respect to his own farming operation regarding minimum payments. He made serious mistakes. There was a period of time when it looked as though he wasn't willing to acknowledge those mistakes, at least to do so in the public forum. If someone makes mistakes of this magnitude, it doesn't mean they are forever denied the opportunity for public service. What it means is when their name comes before this Senate for confirmation for a senior position, in this case in the Department of Agriculture, that person should be held accountable for their mistakes. They should be willing to acknowledge their mistakes and they should be willing, essentially, to ask for forgiveness for those mistakes. It is not always an easy thing to do. Mr. Dorr has made that acknowledgment. He said, I was wrong; what I did was wrong and I hope others learn from my mistakes. It now falls to Senator Harkin who, as we all know, has fought hard against this nomination, as to whether to accept this letter from Mr.…”