[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 23 (Monday, March 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             GEORGE MITCHELL--AN IMPECCABLE ETHICAL LEADER

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, the announcement by the majority leader, 
George Mitchell, that he will not seek reelection came as a surprise to 
all of us. The Senate will certainly be losing an impeccable ethical 
leader who is greatly respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. The 
Democrats in the Senate will lose a unifying force that has brought our 
many and varied elements together.
  Several years ago, when Robert Byrd was thinking about not running 
for majority leader, I went to him and told him that I thought he was 
the sole and only unifying force that could bring all of the elements 
of the Democratic Party together--the conservatives, the liberals, and 
the moderates. I had my doubts when George Mitchell took over as 
majority leader whether he would have that ability. But I soon found 
that to be one of his many strengths. His unifying ability to bring all 
of the elements of the Democratic Party together have been tremendous.
  He has other tremendous strengths. He has great traits of 
intelligence, industry, and integrity. He has a reputation as being a 
superb debater, and he is a great orator. Later, I will speak further 
on Senator Mitchell's announcement, but I would like to state at this 
particular time that America will lose a great Senate leader. We will 
lose in the Senate a person who is highly respected for his ethical 
background and for his true leadership. The Democratic Party will lose 
a great leader, but we are still very fortunate to have him continue 
with us during the remainder of this year when many important pieces of 
legislation will be considered. He will leave a tremendous mark of 
distinction on the U.S. Senate, and certainly will rank among the 
giants that history has given to the leadership of the Senate.
  I will want to speak on this further at a later time.
  At this time, I yield the floor.
  Mr. COATS addressed the Chair.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Indiana.

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