Thad Cochran: “the decision made by my State colleague to retire from the Senate has left me with a deep sense of loss. I respect his…”

“the decision made by my State colleague to retire from the Senate has left me with a deep sense of loss. I respect his right to leave the Senate, and I know he will enjoy a well-earned respite from the demands and challenges that go with this job. Trent Lott has served with distinction, and he has reflected great credit on our State and Nation. I have enjoyed his personal friendship and the opportunity to come to know his family, his wonderful wife Tricia and their two fine children, Chet and Tyler. Trent and I were elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972. At that time, he was serving as the administrative assistant to Congressman William Colmer, who was the chairman of the Rules Committee in the House. So I looked to him for advice and counsel because of his experience on the Hill and his insight into how the House really worked, as only an insider such as he would know. We became friends right away. We were the first Republicans elected from our districts in Mississippi since the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. In due course, we were elected to serve in this body, and we have worked together over the years on the many challenges that have confronted our State. I will truly miss serving with Trent in the Senate. I have come to respect him and appreciate his legislative skills and his great capacity for hard work. He is a tireless and resolute advocate for causes and issues which he decides to support.”