Political Quotes

“much has happened in the weeks since we adjourned for the August recess. In just the last few days, we have seen tragedy strike the gulf coast and learned that our friend, William Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States, had passed. Our thoughts and our prayers are with those struggling to pick up the pieces on the gulf coast following the hurricane. And, of course, our thoughts and prayers are with the Chief Justice's family. I had the good fortune of working with the Chief on several occasions, the first when I was head of the Democratic Policy Committee. I told my Democratic Senators I was going to ask the Chief Justice to come and talk to us. They said he would never do that. I called him, and he was happy to come. At that lunch, he displayed a great command of the law, of course, a strong commitment to judicial independence, and something that we didn't know existed--a sharp sense of humor. Just a short time later, I got to know him better when he presided over the impeachment trial here in the Senate. I am grateful to have worked with him, and in addition to have spoken to him on the telephone on several occasions at his office and at his home. As I have indicated, my condolences are with his family. He will be missed. Now that the President has said he will nominate Judge Roberts to replace Chief Justice Rehnquist, the Senate's advice and consent responsibility is even more important.…”