Byron Dorgan: “I have done what little research I could, because I understood this ad was being set to run across the country that said…”

“I have done what little research I could, because I understood this ad was being set to run across the country that said Senator Kerry has voted for a 50-cent-a-gallon gas tax increase. My understanding is it is simply untrue. If somebody has evidence of which I am not aware, bring it to the floor. My understanding is it is not true. It is similarly not true that Senator Kerry is opposed to renewable fuels, opposed to conservation, opposed to increased efficiency of appliances which was alleged a few minutes ago on the Senate floor. They are not grounded in fact. As I said, everybody has a right to say these things. It is the political system. This is the floor of the Senate, and those of us who hear something we know is demonstrably false also have a right to come to the floor to say this is not the best of what this system has to offer the American people. This ought to be a competition of ideas of both sides using facts and saying here is where one stands and here is where the other stands, and here is why and take your pick.”