Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, let me thank my colleagues, particularly the gentleman from New Mexico, for his patience. I think this has been an important debate. It has gone on longer than any other debate on this bill, but, frankly, I think the issue at hand is one of the most important facing us today. I wanted to acknowledge two people: one who is not here and one who is. The one I would like to acknowledge who is here is my staff assistant, Tom Faletti. Tom Faletti has been standing by my side on this tobacco issue for 10 years. He has covered me with glory in those rare moments when we have defied the tobacco lobby. He has stood by me loyally and forgiven me my defeats and my failings in the course of this experience, taking on the most powerful lobby in Washington. I know the results of the vote last year. We were defeated with the same amendment. I sense today that it might be better, I hope it is. But let me just say this: One of the reasons I am involved in this debate is because another person I served with is not here today. His name was Mike Synar of Oklahoma. Mike Synar was a tiger on this issue. He paid for it dearly in terms of losing his congressional seat when the tobacco companies turned on him and managed to defeat him. Mike gave up one of the most precious things to him, next to his family, his congressional career, because he believed so intensely in this issue.”