Political Quotes

“I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague, Senator Jim Bunning. After 12 years in the U.S. Senate, Senator Bunning is retiring from this chamber at the end of this session. Jim has led a remarkable life. As a baseball fan, I am especially envious of his first career as a Major League pitcher. He was a classic, hard-nosed competitor, which foreshadowed his style as a public servant later in life. My favorite story about Senator Bunning's baseball career is that he was the only pitcher to strike out Ted Williams three times in a single game. He is also one of only seven pitchers to throw a perfect game and a no-hitter. Senator Bunning retired from the sport in 1971 with 2,855 career strikeouts, which, at the time, was the second highest total of all-time. He was rightfully inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. Following his outstanding baseball career, Jim went into politics. And, once again, he was a winner. He has held office at the local, State, and Federal level. After serving Kentucky's 4th District for 12 years in the House of Representatives, Senator Bunning began his service in this Chamber in 1999. I have served with him on the Budget and Finance committees, and have always known him to freely speak his mind and ask tough questions. He remained true to the fierce style he first demonstrated as a young pitcher who was not afraid to brush back a hitter.”