Political Quotes

“questions have been raised by Senator Fitzgerald about the bidding processes under Governors in the State of Illinois. For the record, there has not been a Democratic Governor in the State of Illinois for 24 years. So if he is suggesting that there have been irregularities under Governors, it is likely that they have not been of my political party. I can tell you without exception that I have never involved myself in any bidding process in Springfield by the State government. I have considered my responsibilities to be here in Washington and not in the State capital. Frankly, the people who bid on contracts and whether they are successful is another part of the world in which I have not engaged myself. I am not standing here in defense of any of these bidding processes, or making excuses for any of these processes. If there was any wrongdoing, then let those in appropriate positions investigate that and come to conclusions. Whether there was any reason for any kind of prosecution or investigation, that is not in my province nor my responsibility. I hope at the end of this debate we can remove any cloud on this project. This project should go forward. The Illinois congressional delegation supports this project. Let us demand it be open and honest, and then let us support it enthusiastically. Frankly, I think we all have an obligation to taxpayers--Federal, State, and local alike--to meet that goal.”