George Voinovich: “I rise to speak about our senior Senator from Ohio, Mike DeWine. Let me begin by saying this is a speech I hoped I would…”

“I rise to speak about our senior Senator from Ohio, Mike DeWine. Let me begin by saying this is a speech I hoped I would never have to give. For many in this Chamber, winter came a little early this year. A blizzard of political change swept through the country and, unfortunately, many were unable to weather the storm; in my particular case, in our State, through no fault of their own. Mike DeWine was one of the most effective legislators we have in the U.S. Senate. He was a victim of this storm. I am deeply saddened that our respective colleagues will not be joining us when we congregate again for the 110th Congress. Mike's tireless commitment to legislating, his willingness and ability to work with both parties, and his ingenuity will be sorely missed by everyone in the Senate and the State of Ohio. Mike has served the people of Ohio for more than 30 years, beginning as an assistant county prosecutor in 1992. He served as Green County prosecutor for 4 years, State senator for 2 years, Congressman for 8 years, and he was my Lieutenant Governor for 4 years when I was Governor of Ohio. And, of course, he has served us for 12 years as our U.S. Senator. He is one of the most effective and least partisan Members in this body.”