Political Quotes

“Thank you, Russ. And I know you abbreviated some of your comments, which will be in the Record. Our Association certainly has a very active and impressive international portfolio, and we appreciate your leadership in these endeavors. And while our focus is on international relations, let me welcome our special guests from other former legislators associations. We have a wonderful and very productive partnership with our Canadian colleagues, and we are thrilled to welcome from Ottawa former parliamentarians Andy Mitchell and Gerry Weiner. And for having traveled the furthest goes to former parliamentarian Hamish Hancock, who represents the New Zealand Association. Gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. We are honored by your presence. In addition to the programs that you have heard about so far, we are also tasked with highlighting the achievements of former Members and providing former Members with opportunities to stay connected with their former colleagues after leaving Capitol Hill. One of our premier events which achieves both these goals is our Annual Statesmanship Award Dinner. In April of this year, we hosted our 17th dinner, and like the preceding 16, it was chaired by our good friend Lou Frey of Florida. Imagine 17 dinners he has chaired. Lou was supported by a number of cochairs, including me, former Members, Dennis Hertel, Martin Frost, and our Association's CEO, Pete Weichlein.…”