Robin Carnahan: “encircling the Great Seal of the State of Missouri are the words ``United We Stand; Divided We Fall.'' It is a motto…”

“encircling the Great Seal of the State of Missouri are the words ``United We Stand; Divided We Fall.'' It is a motto that has guided our people well over the last 180 years. In that same spirit, President Bush, at the onset of this new century, has declared that he wants to be ``uniter not a divider.'' I am deeply encouraged, for I want to join with him and the Congress to reach across the chasm of our political differences to do some hard work for the American people. Within the Senate, we have already reached out in a spirit of bi- partisanship in structuring our committees. So far I have had the opportunity to vote in favor of all of the President's Cabinet nominees. This was the beginning of a conciliatory course--a fragile alliance-- but, nonetheless, one that I believe must mark any real progress in the 107th Congress. But I do not believe that the nomination of John Ashcroft furthers the conciliatory tone that President Bush has set.”