Political Quotes

“I think we can all see from the tone and tenor of the debate that this is a serious subject. Earlier today, I suggested that some people in this country might feel that influence can be gained through the purchase of a fruit basket or steak dinner. Yet it is a false perception. But there is a perception out there that we must address. One of the problems facing the Senate is how do you legislate away a false perception? It is not an easy thing to do but we are here trying to do just that. On the other hand, I do not believe that any Member of the Senate would say, or indeed demonstrate by his or her conduct, that a lunch or some other small gift in any way is going to affect their judgment. Nonetheless, I think that those who advocate the change--Senators Wellstone, Lautenberg, and others--believe that the public sees that our National policy has somehow been bent or directed in a way that is contrary to the Nation's best interests. That is a perception. And the public believes that lobbyists are the ones who are responsible for it. Yet, we understand that we were elected not to grant favor, but to do the Nation's business as best we think it can be carried out. The difficulty with these proposals including the one proposed by Senator McConnell, is that we are all trying to do what we think is the right thing.”