Political Quotes

“let me say, as somebody who is new here, as a new Senator who campaigned for months on the idea that we have to come together, we have to find common ground, we have to get beyond some of the partisan labels, I want to come today and speak for a few moments about the importance of that approach and why I feel it is the only answer, and how I hope the Senate can get back on track and look at issues that way. First, let me say, I have never considered myself particularly a partisan person. I come from a part of the world, the beautiful Northwest where we have a history of fresh and creative approaches to issues before the Government. Our citizens do not get up in the morning and say, ``Well, whose got the partisan answer? Is it a Democratic answer? Is it a Republican answer?'' They get up and talk about tackling major issues in a way that is fair and responsible and meets the needs of the public. So I have tried to take that kind of philosophy, first as a Member of the House and now as a new Senator, in terms of attacking the need to address the concerns of the public.”