Political Quotes

“Mr. President, let me add my words of commendation to those of Senator Coats for Senator Lugar. I have often joked with him that he has been my Secretary of State while I have served here in the Senate. We could count on Senator Lugar to give good, unbiased advice on complicated foreign relations issues, and we will very much miss Senator Lugar's voice here in the Senate, and also his better half, Char Lugar, who I think we all know is a bright light. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with Senator Lugar, and I know his voice will continue to be heard on the important issues of the day. In both Indiana and North Dakota, agriculture is a pillar of the economy. Senator Lugar fully understands the importance of farming, and it has always been near his heart. He still manages a 600-acre corn, soybean, and tree operation back home. Here in the Senate, he has been a champion for his State's farmers, serving on the Agriculture Committee since his first term. I have worked with him as a member of that committee since I joined the Senate a decade later. He twice served as chairman, most notably during the passage of the 1996 farm bill. I had the privilege to work with Senator Lugar in crafting numerous farm bills. During the Agriculture Committee's debate of the last farm bill, Senator Lugar and I teamed up to fund rural energy programs. We both understand the importance of getting more energy from the Midwest instead of the Middle East.…”