Bob Kerrey: “first of all, in the spirit of the suggestion made by the distinguished Senator from New Hampshire and earlier, as well…”

“first of all, in the spirit of the suggestion made by the distinguished Senator from New Hampshire and earlier, as well, by the Senator from Pennsylvania, I reached my conclusion as to what our law ought to be. This is unquestionably a decision that required not just a considerable amount of research about what our laws and our Constitution permit us to do, but also a considerable amount of soul-searching. In Nebraska, there are many people--friends, family and people whom I do not know--who have offered their prayers for me during this deliberation. Before I offer my own words as to why I believe the law as proposed is both unconstitutional and incorrect, let me say that I very much appreciate those prayers. I have offered them myself on this particular issue. I have had a career now of some 14 years serving the people of Nebraska and have told them almost from day one that though I may sound from time to time as if I am absolutely convinced on an issue, I have never, if the evidence proves otherwise, been unwilling to change my position.”