Political Quotes

“I rise toady to congratulate a member of our Senate family who is nearing an amazing milestone in life--68 years of marriage. On My 29, 1937, the Valedictorian of Mark Twain High School married his sweetheat--a coal miner's daughter--in West Virginia. That valedictorian was Senator Robert Byrd. The coal miner's daughter was Erma Ora James. On Sunday, they will mark 68 years together. It is an incredible achievement and a testament to their love and commitment. Look how far they've come. They have seen their lives move from the hills of West Virginia to the highest levels of government. Senator Byrd has gone from gas station attendant to meat cutter to welder to United States Senator. But--it's important to note--Senator Byrd has never hidden the secret of his success. If you talk to him, he will give credit to whom credit is due. He said it right here on the Senate floor in May of 2000 days before his 63rd anniversary. He said: ``I have to frankly say that what little I have amounted, if it is anything much, I owe for the most part to [Erma].'' Well Erma, the people of West Virginia and the United States owe you a debt of gratitude for all you've done for your husband and for giving us his time for so many years. I've said before, Senator Byrd is a mentor of mine. I have had the good fortunate of serving with him in the Senate since 1986. In these 19 years, I've gotten to know Senator Byrd and Erma well.…”