Kent Conrad: “I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to Senator Paul Simon of Illinois, who is retiring this year. Paul Simon is…”

“I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to Senator Paul Simon of Illinois, who is retiring this year. Paul Simon is quite simply one of the most respected and honorable Members of the U.S. Senate. Senator Simon has been a dedicated public servant for more than 40 years. He has served in the Illinois House and Senate, as Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois, and in the U.S. House and Senate. Even as he tirelessly served in public office, Paul Simon also found ways to pursue his second career--that of a distinguished and thoughtful writer. A former newspaperman, Simon has written numerous books on our political process and democratic values. He still types his manuscripts out on an old manual typewriter. Senator Simon's top legislative priority for years has been passage of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Paul Simon understands that the greatest threat to future generations is the Federal budget deficit and our enormous national debt. Eliminating our budget deficit is the most important thing we can do for our Nation and Paul Simon pursued this goal with steadfast tenacity.”