Political Quotes

“I rise to say a word about my dear friend Mark Begich and to add some words on behalf of him. We saw, when he presented himself in his final remarks to this body, his compassion, his heart, and his emotions were clear in relation to his family, his son, and to us--because he was truly an amazing friend to many. He is always in a good humor, always upbeat. As the Senator from Virginia said, we could never quite understand it, but he was--and still is--an amazingly optimistic and positive person. Having served as mayor, as a small business owner, as a passionate champion for Alaska, what he didn't mention--I thought I might because it might be too hard for him to remember today--but I want this body to remember that Mark comes from a distinguished line of public service. A lot of us say that, but in Mark's case his father literally gave his life to Alaska. His plane went down on October 16, 1972. The plane has never been found. So when Mark walked in the first day I met him, I don't know what I was expecting, but I was expecting someone to have a heavy burden on his shoulders because of that. As the eldest daughter of nine children, I take responsibility so much for my brothers and sisters, and I don't know how I could have gotten where I have gotten without both parents literally lifting me up every day.…”