Political Quotes

“first of all, I want to congratulate all of these speakers. It has been wonderful hearing all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle state their positions, as they have done so eloquently. We have all learned a lot. I am not sure it has changed anything, but we sure have learned a lot in this process. But I rise today to rebut what I believe is a great misleading of the American people. Before I get into the details, let me tell you a little bit about where I come from and my political background. I have been involved in public service in my State of West Virginia for over 40 years, in one capacity or another. I have been in the house of delegates. I have been in the State senate for 10 years. I have been secretary of state. I have been Governor for two terms. And now I have been here in the Senate for going on 11 years. When I served in the legislature, I could put a bill on the floor or I could put a bill in committee, and it would go through committee. It would go to the floor if it came out. I could get amendments on it. Sometimes it passed; sometimes it didn't. But, at the end of the day, we had a place we called ``Junior Rules.'' It was behind the senate chamber. You would go behind the door, and there would be ``Junior Rules.'' After it was over, after we had our debates and discussions--whether it be in committee or whether it be on the floor--we would all gather, Democrats and Republicans. We ate together. We had some refreshments together.…”