Harry Reid: “Tom Ridge and I came together to Washington in 1982. We were new Members of Congress 20-plus years ago. He was a fine…”

“Tom Ridge and I came together to Washington in 1982. We were new Members of Congress 20-plus years ago. He was a fine Member of Congress. He had the ability to work across party lines. When he became Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, I was excited for him. From all reports I have been able to obtain, he did a good job as Governor of the State of Pennsylvania. When President Bush suggested he be head of the program to protect the American people from terrorists, I told the President I thought it was a good appointment, and I told Governor Ridge I thought it was important he make the change from becoming Governor to becoming the head of the new Department of Homeland Security. His job has now been created as a Cabinet-level office, and I think Tom Ridge has earned his stripes. There are things he has done I have not totally agreed with, but most everything he has done I have agreed. When he became head of this Department, I told Tom Ridge I would sit back and not cry out for a Cabinet-level office, but the determination was made by him, the President, and many others that there needed to be a Cabinet-level office created. I am glad that has happened. Tom Ridge will be a fine Secretary. He is a good man. He will have awesome responsibilities. This will not be an easy task. Secretary Ridge has the difficult job of merging the many departments, agencies and offices that now comprise the Department of Homeland Security.”