Political Quotes

“I come to the floor to today to pay tribute to an American hero, a beloved colleague, and a friend, a man who lived a life that embodied service, sacrifice, and statesmanship, a patriot whose presence here in the U.S. Senate will be sorely missed for years to come but whose legacy will last for generations. As so many of my colleagues have said in recent days, you never forget your first time meeting Senator John McCain. For me, it was early 2006, when I was appointed to the U.S. Senate and in the midst of my campaign for a full term that November. Naturally, I wanted to establish a record that could show I was an effective Senator. I had submitted an amendment to the budget aimed at reducing the burden on New Jersey taxpayers, and while the Republican majority wasn't thrilled I was the one putting it forward at the time, it had strong bipartisan support. It could have easily passed with a voice vote but I wanted to get my colleagues on the record. I wanted a rollcall vote, so that is what I requested. Shortly thereafter, Senator John McCain came barreling towards me on the floor, calling me out. ``Bob, you are a jerk!'' he said. I was taken aback. We weren't on a first-name basis back then. ``Senator,'' I said, ``what is the problem?'' ``This didn't need a roll call vote. That makes you a jerk!'' Well, at that point, the Hudson County in me kicked in, and I fired back with some language I think is best left out of the Congressional Record.…”