Political Quotes

“I learned shortly before Senator Lott came to the floor last night that Senator Coverdell had passed away. I felt it was in my best interest to leave at that time and not be present on the floor, as I usually am. It was unique, in that I am in the minority--Senator Coverdell was in the majority--that I got to know him as well as I did. I always knew that things were moving along and that we were going to get legislation completed when I would look over and Senator Coverdell had been called into the Chamber by Senator Lott to help move legislation. As I look back, I remember the bankruptcy legislation. We started out with a little over 300 amendments on that legislation. Everyone thought it was futile to even try to pass it, but, of course, Senator Coverdell came in and worked with me and the Senators on his side and my side, and we were able to get that legislation cleared and basically completed. That was the story for many, many different pieces of legislation. I got to know him. He was very calm and deliberate and extremely courteous and polite--a real gentleman. I think it speaks volumes to recognize that Senator Lott's No. 1 person he called on when there was trouble on the floor was Paul Coverdell. I think it speaks volumes to indicate that Governor Bush's No. 1 person in the Senate was Paul Coverdell. He was someone that the people of Georgia will miss, this country will miss, the Senate will miss. I personally will miss him.”