Political Quotes

“I rise once again to honor the lifetime contributions of Marie Ridder to Virginia and the Nation. Marie, a distinguished journalist and one of the most passionate conservationists I have known, will celebrate her 100th birthday next Monday, January 27. Marie Ridder began her career as a journalist covering the reconstruction of post-World War II Europe, writing for the Philadelphia Bulletin. Over the next few years, she wrote for The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and Knight Ridder publications. Not just a writer, Marie edited for Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle, and Conde Nast magazines. I became close with Marie when she hosted my first-ever political event more than 37 years ago. When everyone else was skeptical, including my own family, Marie believed in me. Over the years, Megan and I have visited Marie's home myriad times, always surrounded by the most interesting people. It was there I first met and heard Dr. Howard Dean, perhaps the strongest voice against our invasion of Iraq and for healthcare for all Americans. Marie is passionate about saving our landscapes and our environment. She has been the champion of the Piedmont Environmental Council for decades and led the successful fight against the 1990s Disney effort to blanket the Virginia Piedmont with houses. She has served on the boards of the League of Conservation Voters and the Trust for Public Land. Maria is a master gardener, working in her garden high above the Potomac River in McLean.…”