Political Quotes

“Reserved, low key, self-deprecating, totally professional, and devoted to the Senate,'' that is how assistant enrolling clerk Joe Monahan describes his colleague Tom Lundregan, who retires tomorrow from his post as the Senate's enrolling clerk. For 15 years in the Office of the Secretary, Tom has had the crucial task of ensuring that the written copy of the legislation we pass in this body is thoroughly accurate before it is sent on to the House and to the President. As Tom explains, ``We cannot make mistakes. The final paper that is sent to the White House is being signed by the President and is going to become the law of the land.'' He says the responsibility can be ``a little scary.'' Despite the stress, Tom has maintained an impeccable record and earned the admiration of all of his colleagues. Not once on his watch has a piece of legislation been sent back from the House or from the President because of an error. Through work weeks that have stretched up to 90 hours, sometimes even 50 hours straight, Tom has shown total focus, dedication and commitment to the integrity of this institution. Says his colleague Joe, ``There are darn few people who can do that.'' He is right. The Senate has been incredibly fortunate to have such a meticulous and hard working member of the team. Tom says his most vivid memory of working in the Senate is 9/11, and realizing that a plane was heading this way.…”