Political Quotes

“Mr. President, Ted Stevens was as dedicated to his State as anyone to ever serve in this body. From his fight for Alaska's statehood to the four decades he represented that State in the U.S. Senate, he never forgot where he came from or who elected him. Although he set the record as the longest-serving Republican Senator in American history, his legacy is not measured by his longevity but by the indelible impact he had on Alaska. He made much of that impact during from his time on the Appropriations Committee, and I learned a lot from working with him there. He once gave me a necktie with a picture of ``The Incredible Hulk'' on it as a token of his appreciation for my work on an appropriations bill. It was his unique way of saying ``thank you,'' and it meant a lot to me. I still have that tie. Public service was more than a career for Senator Stevens; it was his life's calling. He served his country from halfway around the globe, fighting with the Flying Tigers in World War II, and served his State from clear across the continent when he came to the U.S. Senate. But no matter how far away from home, he always kept it close to his heart. Senator Stevens loved flying, loved the outdoors, and loved his State. He died doing what he loved, and his footprint will forever be visible across the Last Frontier. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.”