Political Quotes

“I came to the Congress in 1980, in the class that included Bill Emerson. It was a special class, elected at a unique time, so we developed a pretty close relationship. In addition to serving with Bill in the House of Representatives for 8 years, we were friends of the family. Bill's daughter, Tori, is the same age as my son, Andrew. They went through school together and just recently graduated together. We attend the same church as the Emersons, and so we have a number of things in common with them. I have had the opportunity to observe Bill and his reaction to the tragic news of his illness and the way in which he handled that. It was an extraordinary demonstration of courage and faith that he so magnificently handled what many would view as a tragic situation. There are many measures of Bill Emerson. It would be impossible for me to list them all--diligent worker, someone who knew Congress inside and out, starting here at the age of 15, someone whose life was devoted to public service, someone who deeply loved his family and was a man of considerable faith.”