Political Quotes

“We were saddened to learn the other night when John called me and told me that his father had passed away. John Sarbanes, of course, is our colleague. He told me of the passing of a wonderful human being, with a great intellect, a wonderful wit, a sense of decency, great integrity and a sense of country, Paul Sarbanes. He was a gifted legislator, a wise adviser to all who sought his council. He brought great courage to his efforts for the people and great compassion for all who struggled to survive and succeed in their pursuit of happiness. I know that all of us serving in this House expresses our heartfelt condolences to his entire family, including his son, our colleague, John Sarbanes, a son of whom his father was extraordinarily proud. I went with John to see his dad not so long ago, and I was so glad I took the opportunity when I was in Baltimore to see him. A number of us had a wonderful opportunity to serve with Senator Sarbanes in the Congress. I had the privilege of serving with him for 4 years in the Maryland General Assembly and for 30 years in the Congress of the United States. Mr. Speaker, my friendship with Paul went back to the time when we were elected to the Maryland General Assembly in the same freshman class of 1966, before you were born, or close. Paul was elected to the House, and I was elected to the State Senate. Over the years, we came to look differently at which body was more important.…”