William Tauzin: “Thank you, Chairman Regula. Mr. Speaker, before I yield to the next Speaker, let me just point out that this…”

“Thank you, Chairman Regula. Mr. Speaker, before I yield to the next Speaker, let me just point out that this extraordinary conciliator, this extraordinary legislator, who has reached out across party lines and whole divides, was once an opponent of mine for the governor's race in Louisiana. He and I contested mightily for that position. In fact, then I was a Democrat and he was a Republican contender for governor of our State. At an event after the race was over, I mentioned Bob had gone around the State of Louisiana trying to convince everybody what a rotten governor I would make; and I had gone around the State of Louisiana trying to convince everybody what a rotten governor he would make. And we must have both been very credible, because they believed us both so well they elected Congressman Buddy Roemer to that seat. In the end, I, a Democrat, left with a huge debt, defeated in that race for governor, turned to Bob Livingston. And he, as our dean, led an effort, with all the Members, Democrats and Republicans, to help me pay off that debt so that I could move on and serve our State, as I have tried to serve it well as a Member of the United States Congress. It is that kind of spirit, this man, that I think has been the hallmark of his career.”