Political Quotes

“I rise to announce my intention to join my colleague from Arizona, Senator McCain, and vote for his motion to table the amendment offered by the distinguished majority leader to the McCain-Feingold campaign reform legislation. This has not been an easy decision for me. I strongly support the underlying objective, if not the precise language of Senator Lott's amendment. The principle that America's working men and women should not be required to contribute their hard-earned money to advance the campaign of candidates they do not support is a compelling one. The strong opposition of big labor to this reasonable proposal demonstrates their fear that many of the rank and file union members would not agree to the use of their dues for political purposes. But in the final analysis, my decision on this matter must be determined by considerations other than the merits of Senator Lott's amendment. The plain truth is that its adoption will kill campaign finance reform. That is not simply my judgment; it is the judgment of Senator McCain and Senator Feingold who have devoted so much time and energy to further the cause of reform. When I ran for the U.S. Senate, I made a clear and unambiguous promise to the people of Maine. I promised that I would fight for campaign finance reform. The people of my State responded by entrusting me to represent them in this body, and whatever other loyalties that I might have, I owe my ultimate allegiance to them.”