Political Quotes

“I just want to make a brief statement before Senator Baucus speaks and thank him for his service in the Senate, thank him for representing Montana, and accepting some of the toughest assignments in the Senate. We have a similarity in our background. We were both inspired to this position by Senators who served before us; in his case, Senator Mansfield, who was an extraordinary leader in the Senate and an extraordinary man when you consider his contribution to our country. He served in two world wars, if I am not mistaken, perhaps in three different branches of the military. It was just an exceptional life of public service which ended with his ambassadorship to Japan. Now, Senator Baucus, who was inspired to public life by Senator Mansfield and followed in his footsteps in representing the State of Montana, serving in one of the highest leadership spots in the Senate, is now off to an ambassadorship, which, when you consider the ebb and flow of history, is singularly the most important ambassadorial assignment which the United States of America can make. Today, this overwhelming bipartisan vote in the Senate is a fitting tribute to Senator Max Baucus for his service, his friendship, and his continued dedication to be a servant of our Nation. I wish you and Mel the very best in this new assignment.…”