Political Quotes

“it is my great honor to serve in the Senate and represent my State of Illinois. It is a singular honor and responsibility. Unlike the House of Representatives where I was honored to serve for 14 years, in the Senate we are often called on to judge people; not ideas, not bills, not expenditures, but people. I think it defines one of the fundamental differences between the House and the Senate. So often when it comes to the President's appointments and Cabinet officials, those who serve us in public life, we have to take the measure of a person and decide whether that person is the right one for the moment, if that person has the integrity and the skill and the values to serve this great Nation. It is a heavy burden. Sometimes I am sure I have gotten it wrong, and other times right. You are never quite sure. In this situation, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am faced with this question about filling the vacancy after the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. I was not a fan of Attorney General Gonzales. I voted against his nomination. There were many reasons. I will not go through the long litany. But I did not believe he was the right person for the job. I thought his appointment to lead the Department of Justice was the appointment of a man more loyal to a President than to our Constitution and his special responsibility in our Cabinet.”