Political Quotes

“I rise to pay tribute to our distinguished colleague, the senior Senator from Louisiana, on his announced intention to retire from the Senate at the end of his current term. His departure will be a loss to this body. Senator Johnston has served here ably and well for over 20 years, most notably as chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and of the Appropriations subcommittee having jurisdiction in the same area. He has mastered the intricacies of much difficult legislation in this capacity, and the Nation has benefited from the perspective and wisdom which he brought to the task. I am privileged to have had a long friendship with Bennett Johnston and I admire him for the manner in which he conducts himself as a Senator and as a person. And, particularly, as a tennis player. In the best sense of the word, he can be called a straight shooter. I regret, honor, and sympathize with his decision to end his distinguished political career and I wish him and his lovely wife Mary all the best for the future after he leaves the Senate in 1997. In the meantime, we are fortunate to have the benefit of his talents for at least 2 more years.”