Lincoln Chafee: “I am delighted to join in congratulating Senator Thurmond on attaining the distinction of being the Nation's longest…”

“I am delighted to join in congratulating Senator Thurmond on attaining the distinction of being the Nation's longest serving U.S. Senator. Since coming to the Senate a little over 20 years ago, I have respected Senator Thurmond's abilities, admired his tenacity, valued his judgment, and treasured his friendship. He is an inspiration to all of us, not only because of the length of his service, but because of the quality of his work and the depth of his commitment. All of us marvel at the sheer duration of Strom Thurmond's tenure in the Senate--42 years. But we congratulate him today not only for his longevity, but for dedicating most of his adult life to public service. As a school teacher and a coach, as an attorney, as a soldier who participated in the D-day landing at Normandy, as a State senator, as a circuit court judge, as Governor of South Carolina, and as U.S. Senator, Strom Thurmond has repeatedly sought out opportunities to serve his community, State, and Nation. And, due to his reputation for hard work and effective leadership, the people of South Carolina have repeatedly demonstrated their confidence in him--a degree of confidence among the voters that all of us aspire to but few achieve. Senator Thurmond's unflagging vigor is evident to anyone who shakes his hand--his handshake is firm and formidable. All of us hope and expect that he will stay in the Senate until he reaches the age of 100 and beyond.”