Cord Byrd: “I say farewell to Senator Dayton. Seldom has a freshman Senator made more of an impression on me than has Senator Mark…”

“I say farewell to Senator Dayton. Seldom has a freshman Senator made more of an impression on me than has Senator Mark Dayton of Minnesota who has announced that he will be leaving us at the end of this session of the Congress. From the start of his service in this Chamber, I have been struck by Senator Dayton's determination to learn the rules, to learn the traditions, to learn the customs of the Senate. When Senator Dayton presided over the Senate, which is one of the responsibilities of freshman Senators, he always did so with attention and dignity. His demeanor was inspiring. It reassured my belief in the future of this great institution. I recall one instance when Senator Dayton banged the gavel so hard that he nearly fell out of his chair. That is the way it should be. I thought to myself: Bang that gavel, bring the Senate to order so that the Senate can conduct the Nation's business. I am also impressed about the reverence that Senator Dayton shows for our Nation's most basic, most important document, the Constitution of the United States.”