Political Quotes

“I commend the Senator from Kentucky for his excellent remarks, which I heard in my office, and the wrap-up I heard here. I congratulate all who have come forward in support of Judge Gonzales for their excellent statements and, I am prompted to say, in his defense. It is a sad situation that a man of his integrity, of his accomplishments, of his skills, of his background, has to be defended in the Senate. This discussion we have had in committee and in the Senate is further evidence that the system of bringing not just Attorney General nominees but judicial nominees and other nominees-- Secretary of State--has some serious problems. We have allowed the partisan politics to enter into some of these debates and discussions when we should be looking at the qualifications of the person, the integrity of the person, the skills of the person, the trustworthiness of the person, and whether they can do and execute the jobs faithfully. Judge Gonzales has shown throughout his career, whether in his career as a lawyer, whether in his career as a counsel to the Governor, whether in his career as supreme court justice and elected official in the State of Texas, secretary of state, he has shown the highest degree of integrity and the skills necessary to do the job. He has proven to be trustworthy when given authority, taking that authority seriously and handling it with great responsibility.”