Political Quotes

“I have a few observations on what we should do as Senators, not as Democrats or Republicans, to tend to the Nation's business in these difficult days. Partisanship ran high in 2005, with Republican threats to invoke the nuclear or constitutional option, which would, in effect, change the rule to allow 51 votes to cut off filibusters. The so-called 'Gang of 14,' a group of centrists from both parties, structured a compromise which confirmed some judicial nominees, rejected others, and established a standard that filibusters should not be employed except in 'exceptional circumstances.' That spirit of compromise, I suggest, should be revisited today. Achieving civility and cooperation for the common good in 2010... will require independence and risk-taking by Senators. Senators must be willing to cross the aisle and work with their colleagues even at the peril of the disfavor of their own political party.”