Political Quotes

“I rise to speak to pay tribute to our departing colleague, Paul Simon. All of us have an image of what a U.S. Senator ought to be. It will not surprise anyone that all who serve here measure up. Paul Simon is someone who clearly measures up. He is a thoughtful, hard-working, and committed American. He has a clean philosophy and the integrity to stand up for it. Paul's manner is open. His approach is thoughtful and considerate. He is one who cares more about solving problems than making himself look good. I think of him as a part a long line of Senators from Illinois that are epitomized by Paul Douglas. Perhaps I should say that in my mind Paul Douglas is epitomized by Paul Simon because both of them brought great integrity and intellect to this body. It is not unusual for Paul Simon and I to be on opposite sides of an issue. But, I have never found him to be unwilling to listen or unwilling to objectively think through problems. I have often found him able to find solutions that make sense for our country. In short, he is the kind of person who comes here to serve, who places integrity in the office, and who places the integrity of his person above the vicissitudes of the day and above any selfish interests. It has been a great privilege for me to work with Paul Simon. He is someone I admire now and I suspect I will admire him for the rest of my life because he embodies the best that is in us. He has brought this body a nobleness which is in short supply.”