Political Quotes

“We are confined to watching funerals on the internet, leaving us with a sense that our expressions of gratitude and emotions are inadequate to the honor that is deserved. But fortunately for the Presiding Officer and me, the U.S. Senate does provide an opportunity, a venue, and an appropriate way to say goodbye to a friend and a mentor that is commensurate with the incredible quality of the life that we celebrate. Senator Andrews was a giant to me for lots of reasons, not just because he was 6 feet 4 inches. But from growing up in Kindred, just about 20 miles south of the Andrews farm just outside of the city village of Mapleton at the time, to working on his reelection campaign--the first real job I ever had out of college--to seeking his guidance as I followed in his footsteps, first in the House of Representatives and then to the Senate, Mark Andrews was always a larger-than-life figure and personality to me. Kris and I were grateful for the counsel he and Mary gave us my first year in this Chamber just last year. I am really grateful to Mark and Mary's daughter, Sarah, for facilitating a visit for Kris and me to come see her parents just last year. This picture will be important to me forever. It was an emotional time for me. I don't mind telling you that it was emotional for me to be able to go see Mark at the age of 93 and Mary at the age of 92 and say thank you for the opportunities and for the grace he afforded me when I didn't deserve it.…”