Political Quotes

“I similarly acknowledge the efforts of Senator Simpson both with respect to the broad subject of immigration policy over the last 17 years and, more specifically, his hard work on the bill before the Senate on illegal immigration. The positions which I have advocated on a number of the issues that are part of this bill, in some cases, have been this opposition to his position, and, in some cases, they have been on the same side. They have always been advocated with great respect for his efforts here. I must say I sympathize with his feelings about some of the rhetoric which those outside of this Chamber have launched during the past couple of months as we have dealt with this issue before both the committee and here on the floor. I, too, have been the target of many rather unusual, strange, and exaggerated charges, as well as complaints. In my State of Michigan, in fact, groups who oppose some of the views I have on this issue have even launched paid media campaigns critiquing my activities here in the U.S. Senate on these issues. I am both an admirer of Senator Simpson's efforts and a sympathizer with the role he finds himself thrust into when he chose to become involved in highly important issues that touch a large number of Americans.”