Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of an extraordinary public servant, beloved colleague, gifted statesman, and fellow Floridian, Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr. Clay passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his loving and supportive family, after struggling with lung cancer for many years. Clay was born and reared in south Florida and developed into a hardworking, remarkable man, a strong voice for his district, as well as for the entire Sunshine State. Mayor of Fort Lauderdale at an early age, Clay quickly earned the respect of our community and cultivated the skills necessary to be elected to the House of Representatives in 1980, serving here honorably for 26 years. Clay set the bar high for a true gentleman, and all who knew him can recall his charming, old-school approach to life. He worked in a bipartisan manner, similar to Congressmen Dante Fascell and Bill Lehman, who also recently passed away. I am honored to have served with such a remarkable man as E. Clay Shaw. He'll be remembered as a man of sterling character and high ideals, a pillar of our community and a man of this institution. Clay is survived by his wife of 53 years, Emilie, who was always at his side. I ask for all of us here in this Chamber to take a moment of silence in recognition of the great contributions and sacrifice of a truly dedicated public servant. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence. ____________________”