Political Quotes

“the hour is late, but let me say that I have some real mixed emotions tonight. I have had this desk for 6 years and it has been a great experience for me to serve as the assistant leader, the whip, of the Senate Democrats. I have learned so much being on the floor regarding procedures of this very classic body. I am now going to move over one desk. As I have said on this floor previously, I will miss very much my dear friend, my brother, Tom Daschle. My ability to function here these past 6 years has been based upon my relationship with Senator Daschle. I look forward to my new job. I look forward to working with my friend, the distinguished Republican leader. I have said publicly and privately what a good experience this will be for me. He has dedicated 12 years of his life, at least, to public service after having been a very distinguished transplant surgeon. I look forward to our relationship. I hope we can do some good things for the country. I am certainly going to try. I know that the experience of these past 6 years has been made much more interesting as a result of the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Stevens, the President pro tempore of the Senate. He is here tonight and this legislation that just passed is an indication of his tenaciousness and the role model he sets for all of us. Six hours ago, none of us could have thought we would have accomplished this. A couple of hours ago, we wished he had not tried. But it is over with now.”