Jim Inhofe: “First, Madam President, I do rise in strong support-- strong support--of Mike Leavitt to be confirmed as Administrator…”

“First, Madam President, I do rise in strong support-- strong support--of Mike Leavitt to be confirmed as Administrator of the EPA. I think this vote is long overdue. But for those who have watched this nomination closely, we have seen a spectacle that does not reflect favorably on this institution. Governor Michael Leavitt is a kind, courteous, and decent person. Everyone who knows him loves him. Very rarely do you see that in politicians--other than the Presiding Officer, of course. But everyone seems to love Mike Leavitt. He is that kind of a person. Yet from day one his nomination has been delayed and obstructed by partisanship and Presidential politics. I watched this play out with real disappointment because the process surrounding these nominations has never succumbed to such pressures. Today, we are going to move beyond this obstacle and show to the American people what everyone in this debate well knows; that is, Governor Leavitt enjoys overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans.”