Patrick Leahy: “this has been an interesting day of debate. It actually feels good to hear people really speak on an issue. As President…”

“this has been an interesting day of debate. It actually feels good to hear people really speak on an issue. As President pro tempore, I sat in that chair where my distinguished friend from Maine is sitting now as Presiding Officer. I sat there for hours today and listened to the debate and heard many I found extremely good and then I heard some others. But I appreciate the fact that I had the opportunity, as President pro tempore, to hear so many of the Senators of both parties speak. You know, I spoke yesterday about protecting everyone's vote on the ballot and how important that is. I know that because in my own State of Vermont, when I first ran, it was a very Republican State. I have been on the ballot, between my time as State's attorney and Senator, between primaries and general elections--I have been on the ballot in Vermont 24 times. I never questioned that the ballots would be counted accurately and honestly, even though, in several of the elections, 80 to 90 percent of the people counting the ballots were the town clerks, and they were Republicans. So after those 24 times, I think I have some idea of how the Senate works, and I can also say that with seniority comes a bit of experience. This is my 48th year here in the U.S. Senate, having been elected by those same Vermonters whom I praise for the way they protected the sanctity of the ballot 48 times. I am still the only Democrat sent to the U.S. Senate by the voters of Vermont.…”