[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR BILL BRADLEY

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, perhaps one of the greatest 
characteristics of our form of government is that it encourages 
literally anybody and everybody to seek elected office. As a result, we 
have avoided the creation of an elite ruling class, and the men and 
women who represent us in public office are individuals of diverse, 
interesting, and unique backgrounds. Just look to the 100 members of 
this Body and you will find a richly varied collection of experience 
and professions among our colleagues, and Senator Bill Bradley has 
perhaps the most unique background of our colleagues.
  Though not a native son of the Garden State, Bill Bradley has been a 
part of New Jersey and the Northeast since his days as a history 
student at Princeton University. Clearly his time on that campus helped 
to influence how he would spend his years as an adult. A star member of 
the Tigers basketball team, Bill would serve as the Captain of the 1964 
Olympic basketball team and eventually go on to play professional 
basketball for the New York Knicks for 10 years. Bill's excellence was 
not limited to under the baskets, his performance as a student earned 
him a coveted Rhodes Scholarship to the prestigious Oxford University 
where he received a master's degree.
  For the past 18 years, Bill Bradley has ably represented the people 
of New Jersey in this Body. During his career as a Senator, Bill has 
brought many of the traits he learned on the basketball courts, and in 
the halls of two of the world's greatest learning institutions, to this 
Chamber. Without question, he is a careful student of the issues that 
come before the Senate, and he is always a thoughtful contributor to 
our debates. In particular, he is a forceful and passionate advocate 
for matters that are particularly close to his heart, which include 
economic development, the environment, education, fighting crime, and 
promoting racial harmony and equality.
  Mr. President, despite his popularity, Senator Bradley has decided 
not to seek a fourth term in the U.S. Senate. While we will miss his 
participation in the National debate, I am certain that he will 
continue to seek ways in which to serve New Jersey and the United 
States. I join my friends and colleagues in wishing him well in 
whatever he chooses to pursue.

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