Political Quotes

“Just let me say that it is with genuine regret that I read the Senator's decision some time ago not to run again. I remember, Madam President, many years ago when we were both elected for the first time, I might say in a surprise upsweep for Republicans, the Senator may recall that I organized a weekly group. We met once a week to discuss the legislation that would come up in the House of Representatives for the following week. I always felt that was the beginning of our friendship and understanding. Sometimes it is difficult for our friends back home to understand how a Republican and Democrat can work together, but it is important if we are not going to have gridlock. The one particular situation I remember where we worked over a period of months in close collaboration was in the bailout of Chrysler Corporation. That was a matter of great, great concern to the State of Michigan. It was a matter of great concern to my State of Delaware. As I have said many times, not many people realize that percentagewise, we had more auto workers than even the State of Michigan. But I think recent events that show Chrysler roaring back with success, beginning to compete very successfully internationally, show how important that cooperation across the aisle was. I must say, I regret seeing the Senator leave. I also want to add, in public as I did privately, how sorry I was to read about the Senator's mother, the loss of his mother.”