Political Quotes

“I certainly applaud my colleague from Nevada for making his heart-felt statement. I am not much for calling people when there is a tragedy. I tend to write letters. It is difficult for me to speak to people upon the loss of a loved one because it brings back memories of those loved ones of mine I have lost. So I normally just write a letter. But I thought it was appropriate yesterday, when I learned about the death of Matthew, that I call and speak to the parents; and I did that. Certainly, it was not a pleasant call in the sense that you call and talk to grieving parents, but it was a call I will never forget. His mother asked me if I would write her a letter. I said I would be happy to. She said: The reason I want the letter is because I will have that to refer to. I will not have my son anymore. And she broke down and cried a little bit about that. As I just indicated, I talked to his mom, Patricia, who lives in Las Vegas. I also talked to his dad, Gregory. Gregory, as do most fathers, put up a very brave front during the first part of our conversation. Like all dads, toward the end of it, his emotions got the best of him. He shed a few tears, I know. I could tell by his voice that he was crying on the other end of the line. I talked to him about Matthew's brothers. Matthew had three brothers. Matthew was the oldest.”