Political Quotes

“first of all, I have to say, wouldn't you know I would get laryngitis, and for somebody who is in elected office, we know that that is not a good thing, so please bear with me; and I want to thank Chuck so much for his comments this morning and for being a dear friend. Today is bittersweet for me, standing here on the floor of the U.S. Senate, making my last speech--my last major speech. So many of my staff from Michigan have traveled to be here as well as staff members who have worked for me in DC over the years. I am truly overwhelmed that over 100 Michigan and DC staff are here in the Galleries and on the floor, and family and friends who were not able to fly in today are watching on C-SPAN. As we come back from Thanksgiving, I am filled with so much gratitude and respect as I think back over my years in public service. I am thinking about the incredible number of people who have supported me and contributed in so many ways to my success--from my family, my staff, my colleagues, and, of course, the people of Michigan who have put their trust in me for over 50 years--I started when I was 5-- (Laughter.) --from Ingham County commissioner to State legislator to U.S. Senator. Michigan, you will always be in my heart. Today is about recognizing all of you. As some of you know, I lost my mom just a week ago.…”