Political Quotes

“I regretfully rise today to oppose the nomination of John Ashcroft as Attorney General of the United States. As a new Member of the U.S. Senate, I did not have the opportunity to serve with former Senator Ashcroft. I have only his record and his testimony on which to make this decision. I come to this judgment after supporting almost all of President Bush's other Cabinet nominees. I believe that the President should be given broad latitude in choosing his Cabinet, but the Constitution clearly gives the Senate the responsibility of advice and consent. It is our responsibility to review the actions and backgrounds of the nominees and speak on behalf of the people we represent. I have listened intently to the judiciary hearings--the questions and the answers--and I would like to commend my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee for the thoughtful and thorough process that was used on this critically important nomination. There is no question that former Senator Ashcroft has a long career of public service. It is that career and the record that he has created that I feel compelled to evaluate as the most important consideration in making my decision. I have always believed that actions speak louder than words, especially when there is a long and consistent public history of questionable actions. This is especially important given the critical responsibilities and broad discretion given to the office of Attorney General.”