Political Quotes

“This morning, however, Mr. President, I make it very clear that while I support many areas of campaign finance reform, and I shall address those areas, this particular bill that is before the Senate is not one, in my judgment, which will solve any of the problems. Therefore, I shall be voting against it in accordance with the procedural votes. I will start my comments by quoting from Thomas Jefferson. Virginians are very proud of our heritage of freedom which is reflected by Mr. Jefferson, who said: ``To preserve the freedom of the human mind * * * and freedom of the press, every spirit should be ready to devote itself to martyrdom; for as long as we may think as we will, and speak as we think the condition of man will proceed in improvement.'' Jefferson's thoughts on the first amendment reflect my own personal concern that our constitutional right to speak out as individuals and as groups receive the utmost protection as we labor as a legislative body to make badly needed reforms to our campaign finance system.”