Political Quotes

“Mr. President, is a quorum present? The PRESIDENT pro tempore. A quorum is present. The Senate will resume consideration of the Articles of Impeachment against Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. The Chair understands that final arguments for the House on the Articles of Impeachment will be presented by Representative Schiff and Representative Goodlatte. Mr. Schiff has asked to speak first. Mr. Schiff, do you wish to reserve time for closing, and, if so, how much time? Mr. Manager SCHIFF. Mr. President, if it is permitted, after I make some brief introductory remarks, I will turn it over to my colleague, Mr. Goodlatte, to speak. When he is finished speaking, we would like to reserve the balance of our time unless we are required to set that up in advance. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. You may proceed. Mr. Manager SCHIFF. Mr. President and Members of the Senate, this is a case about a State court judge from Gretna, LA, who had a gambling problem and a drinking problem, and as a result of both of those problems also had serious financial problems. He was constantly short of money. This judge entered into a corrupt scheme with lawyers and bail bondsmen who could help him lead a lifestyle he could not otherwise afford. He sent the lawyers cases. They kicked back money from those cases to the judge, and they paid for many of his meals, his liquor, his parties, even some of his son's expenses. He set bonds for the bail bondsmen at the amounts that would maximize their profits.…”