Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to say a few words about one of the Senate's most senior Members but one of the newest on this side of the aisle. I have known Senator Arlen Specter for many years. I have worked with him, learned from him, and admired him. He is truly a legal scholar. Anyone who has read his books--and I have--knows Senator Specter's life has been a struggle. From his days as the son of immigrants in Depression-era Kansas to the treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma, he has endured, while working as a full-time Senator. He has not had it easy, but he has fought hard. I consider it a privilege to work with Arlen Specter. He is a strong contributor to our caucus, a valuable Member of this body and, most importantly, a fine public servant for the people of Pennsylvania. It would not surprise anyone to learn that over 25 years Senator Specter and I have not always agreed on every issue. But I have never seen another Senator with a greater willingness to work in a bipartisan manner, put people over party, and to encourage others to search their hearts and to do what is right. Senator Specter has fought to end the partisanship in Washington as hard as he has fought for his constituents in Pennsylvania. He has often reminded us, in key times, including right here on the Senate floor, that we had to go in a direction he thought was important. He would tell us about that, that we were sent here to govern, not to demagogue.…”