Political Quotes

“Mr. President, unwavering in principle and hewing always to her Maine roots and hallmark independence, Margaret Chase Smith exemplified the finest qualities of our great state of Maine which she represented with the highest distinction in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. A true American political icon and esteemed stateswoman, she was and remains the embodiment of Maine's motto, Dirigo or ``I Lead.'' And lead she did. As I said 10 years ago, on the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking remarks, in order to lead, one must first be able to follow--follow one's conscience, follow one's own ideals, and follow what you know in your heart to be right. In taking the path less travelled, Senator Smith became a truly distinguished leader, not just of her time, but for all time, and delivered what we remember as her signature contribution to America and the very freedoms we cherish. Indeed, on this momentous occasion, we pay tribute to a political giant and legend, who rose from the most humble of beginnings to the highest corridors of power--the heights of which she never sought for personal gain, but rather in order to serve the state she loved and the Nation she revered. And we honor her uncommon courage in confronting a scourge no other Senator sought to challenge, which she demonstrated without equivocation on June 1, 1950. During a time enveloped by a crucible of hatred and fear, it was Senator Margaret Chase Smith who became the first U.S.…”