[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23149]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNITION OF DOLORES GARCIA

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, it is rare for me to make a statement 
for the Record in honor of a retiring staff member, but this is a rare 
staff member--one who by any measure would be deserving of the Senate's 
time and of space in the Congressional Record. I am speaking of Dolores 
Garcia, whose service in the Senate started the same day as my own, 
January 3, 1983. Dolores and I had worked together prior to that when I 
was Attorney General of New Mexico, and she had been with the Attorney 
General's staff long before I came to that office.
  My staff and I, as well as countless New Mexicans, feel fortunate to 
know and work with Dolores. Diligent, competent, with a benevolent 
nature and a strong work ethic, Dolores embodies the best of human 
traits. In her work as the coordinator for service academy nominations, 
she has started many young leaders on their way to success. She helps 
keep my Santa Fe office running smoothly, attends the needs of local 
and legislative officials, helps manage my office budget, and 
coordinates my state schedule. No matter how busy she might be, she 
always has time and a kind word for those who turn to her for help.
  Dolores is a great friend to my staff and me. We hold her in the 
highest esteem. Another long-time staff member commented that he 
thought his best hope of getting into Heaven is on her coattails. I 
feel the same, Mr. President, and would feel fortunate to have her 
vouch for me.

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