Political Quotes

“I rise to join others in paying tribute to a wonderful colleague, Senator Craig Thomas. Tragically, last night, he lost his battle with leukemia. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to his wife Susan, his children, Patrick, Greg, Peter, and Lexie, and to his staff. Since January, I had the pleasure to serve with Senator Thomas on the Finance Committee. I found him to be a hard-working Senator and very concerned about his constituents' struggling to get health care in rural areas. I also had a chance to work with him last year on the Michigan Lighthouse and Maritime Heritage Act. This legislation sets up a process whereby the National Park Service would work with the State of Michigan to create a lighthouse tourist trail. As my colleagues know, he was chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, which had jurisdiction over this legislation. During consideration of this bill, he was helpful to me and the people of Michigan even though these lighthouses are thousands of miles away from his home. He held a hearing on this legislation, worked with me to get it to the floor and ultimately to the President's desk. On behalf of the people of Michigan, we appreciate his support of this legislation. Senator Thomas was a wonderful man--kind and decent to everyone. We will all miss him.”