Jon S. Corzine: “I rise today to say a simple thank you to a number of my retiring colleagues, good people who have done good things to…”

“I rise today to say a simple thank you to a number of my retiring colleagues, good people who have done good things to serve the citizens of their States but, more importantly, serve our Nation. I particularly mention Max Cleland and Jean Carnahan, who are exceptional and special people. They are heroic in their own way, as the term is truly defined. The courage and optimism they have shown in their lives strengthened mine. The grace they brought to their service in the Senate, to their States and the Nation, is truly remarkable. Max Cleland does not need extensive description to know that he is a patriot, one who cares about America, worked hard to voice support for veterans and supports working people across this country. I worked with him closely on the economic plans we thought would stimulate the economy. He is a remarkable winner. He came into New Jersey and helped me as I was a fledgling, aspiring Senator. He took me into worlds I had not known, and I truly will miss him, as will all of us in the Senate. Jean Carnahan is my desk mate on my right, No. 96 out of 100, me being 97. We sat together, laughed together, worked together, learned together. She showed me how to be a little bit better at being a Senator than I might otherwise be. She is an inspiration. In her own life, she dealt with tragedy and turned it into opportunity.”