[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 107 (Thursday, July 16, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S7637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COMMENDING NORM COLEMAN

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I commend the extraordinary career of 
Norm Coleman. Norm began his public service as a prosecutor for the 
Minnesota State Attorney General's Office, working his way up to chief 
prosecutor before eventually serving as solicitor general of Minnesota. 
In 1993, he became mayor of St. Paul. During his tenure as mayor, Norm 
worked faithfully to revitalize the city, even securing a National 
Hockey League franchise for St. Paul. In 2002, at the urging of 
President Bush, Norm ran for U.S. Senate. He was the challenger in a 
close, hard-fought race, and his ultimate victory was an exciting one.
  I am proud to have served alongside Norm in the Senate. He was an 
excellent comrade in the fight against partial birth abortion and 
worked hard to prevent waste and fraud at the United Nations. Known for 
his willingness to work with both parties, Norm fought for tax cuts, 
renewable energy, and prescription drug benefits for seniors. He worked 
for the passage of legislation improving rural health care, increasing 
funding for Pell Grants and securing our ports.
  He leaves an impressive record as testament to his service in the 
Senate, but his presence here will be missed. Though the outcome of 
last fall's election ended differently than I had hoped, I know great 
things are in store for Norm. He has much more to offer our great 
country. I wish Norm, his wife Laurie, and their two children, Jacob 
and Sarah, all the best as they embrace the new and exciting 
opportunities before them.

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