Political Quotes

“I rise to recognize the Honorable Barbara Curran, a lifelong public servant from New Jersey who broke many glass ceilings. Barbara was an accomplished scholar, even earning her law degree in the evenings as a single mom. Entering the world of politics as a woman in the 1970s, she was a force. Barbara was the first woman to serve in all three branches of the New Jersey government--as assemblywoman, as a member of the Governor's cabinet, and as a superior court judge. She was referred to as the ``blue elephant'' for her commitment to bipartisanship. Barbara cherished time with family and never missed an opportunity to send encouraging handwritten notes. At times, she was even called off the bench to take a call from her daughter. I am grateful for the role model Barbara was to me and to so many who saw a path forward in politics through her example, and a glimpse at how to balance being a parent with the demands of public service. In January, Barbara Curran passed away peacefully. My heart is with her daughter, Katie; her son-in-law, Patrick; and her grandchildren, Duke, Marrin, Lilah, and Moira. I was honored to know Barbara, and she will be dearly missed. ____________________”