On the recordMarch 21, 2012
I too am honored to be able to rise today to speak of our dear friend Barbara Mikulski. So many good things have been said, so many accolades have been shared about what Barbara has done and what she means to all of us. I can only tell you there is not a better ally, mentor, neighbor, and, most important, friend to have in the Senate than Barbara Mikulski. My State shares a border with Barbara's State. Maryland and West Virginia have had a long and illustrious relationship. As Governor, I had always known of Barbara and had met her a few times when I served the great State of West Virginia. But as a Senator, I have had the privilege of being her colleague and working with her and becoming friends, listening to her and watching her in how she works with her constituents, how she considers the issues, how she fights for issues. I don't think anyone has ever had to guess where Barbara stands on an issue because we all know. In the 15 months we have worked together, I can say it has been extremely rewarding to serve alongside her, whether it is her wisdom she shares on the train ride over to our sessions here or whether we talk about our both being raised in a grocery store. My grandfather had a little grocery store and, as you know, Barbara was raised with her father in a grocery store. I think, basically, if you have retail in your blood, you understand the people of America. Her sense of humor is something to behold.…
