[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
                        HONORING SENATOR RIEGLE

  Mr. DURENBERGER. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
retiring Senator from Michigan, my friend Don Riegle.
  I am convinced that this is the only occasion on which the phrase 
``retiring Don Riegle'' is not oxymoronic. As my colleagues will 
testify, he is one of the least retiring people who ever served in this 
body.
  Unlike most in this Chamber, I can remember when Don used to be a 
Republican. I think he is a great example of someone who chose not to 
change his principles to suit his party, but rather to change his party 
over issues of principle.
  It is one of the toughest decisions one can make in partisan 
politics. Speaking for myself, I think my political views are 
sufficiently in the Republican mainstream that I can exert a moderating 
influence in our party.
  Don Riegle found himself too far out--too often--to make the kind of 
difference he knew himself capable of making. And so he did a very 
courageous thing, and switched parties.
  So it is as a Democrat that the U.S. Senate will remember Don Riegle, 
as he rides off into the next chapter in his life. But I think of true 
appreciation of Don's career will call attention to the fact that he 
puts ideas over party.
  He was a Republican against the Vietnam War. That was a really tough 
stand for him to take, and he has brought the same kind of passion to 
the other issues he has worked on.
  We served together on the Finance Committee, and I know something 
about the strength of his convictions. Whether it is protecting the 
interests of autoworkers or protecting cost-of-living increases for 
Social Security recipients, Don Riegle has the kind of fiery commitment 
that makes you want him to be on your side in any debate.
  Even when I have disagreed with him very intensely, I have always 
respected him as a sincere, committed, hard-working individual. He 
cares about the people of Michigan, and in losing him they are losing a 
very powerful voice.
  I join all my colleagues in wishing him and his wife Lori Hansen a 
very happy future.

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