[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 24005]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE WASHINGTON STAFF OF SENATOR TOM DASCHLE

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to a 
group of men and women who have served over the past 26 years as staff 
for Senator Tom Daschle here in Washington, both in his personal office 
and those who served him as Democratic leader in the Senate for the 
past 10 years. Every member of the Senate understands that our success 
rests, in part, with the men and women we choose to work with us on a 
daily basis in our offices. I join my colleagues in providing the most 
heartfelt appreciation for the public service career of Senator Daschle 
and that appreciation extends to the extraordinary work of his staff 
here in Washington.
  The people of South Dakota, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, 
and the institution of the Senate have benefitted greatly over the 
years from the hard work and dedication of Senator Daschle's staff. 
These men and women worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Whether it be 
his personal staff or his leadership staff, every single person has 
been dedicated to making our State a better place to live, and to 
making our Nation safe and secure.
  Some of Senator Daschle's staff provided over two decades of 
dedicated service to the people of South Dakota and came with him to 
join his leadership staff. Their long hours of service underscored 
Senator Daschle's commitment to lead our caucus and to serve the people 
of South Dakota and this Nation unselfishly. Senator Daschle's staff 
truly reflect the tireless work ethic, dedication, and professionalism 
that he has exemplified to all the citizens of our State.
  While each and every member of Senator Daschle's staff is dedicated, 
committed, and hard working, I think three long-serving members of his 
Washington staff should be recognized separately. Those senior staff 
members are Pete Rouse, who served in Senator Daschle's leadership 
office as chief of staff, Nancy Erickson, his deputy chief of staff in 
the Capitol, and Laura Petrou, the chief of staff in his personal 
office. All three of these dedicated individuals served the State of 
South Dakota and the Senate Democratic Caucus unselfishly and with 
distinction.
  It is my hope that all of these valued members of Senator Daschle's 
staff recognize the importance of their work and the great appreciation 
that many in South Dakota hold for them for their great service.
  Senator Daschle's current personal and leadership staff in Washington 
includes: Aaron Fischbach, Amber Danter, Bart Chilton, Brad Wolters, 
Brendan Hilley, Brian Hanafin, Chris Bois, Chris VandeVenter, Chris 
Wagner, Christiana Gallagher, Chuck Marr, Cindy Harris, Clint Highfill, 
Danny Franklin, Darcell Savage, Denis McDonough, Grant Leslie, Jane 
Loewenson, Jeff Nussbaum, Jennifer Duck, Jeri Thomson, Jessica Leonard, 
Jessica Scheufele, Jim Oleske, Joan Huffer, Jody Bennett, Jonathon 
Lehman, Kate Knudson, Kate Leone, Kelly Fado, Lara Birkes, Larkin 
Barker, Laura Petrou, Lisa Thimjon, Liz Dahan, Mark Childress, Matthew 
Varilek, Michelle Singer, Molly Rowley, Nancy Erickson, Nancy Hogan, 
Nick Bauer, Nick Papas, Pat Griffin, Pat Sarcone, Pete Rouse, Phil 
Schiliro, Phillip Assmus, Randy DeValk, Reid Cherlin, Sam Mitchell, 
Sarah Feinberg, Ted Miller, Tim Mitrovich, Todd Webster, Tom McIntyre, 
and Wizipan Garriott.
  The work of Senator Daschle and his staff will be remembered by South 
Dakotans, and all the Senators and staff who have served with them, for 
many years to come. I want to thank them for their work and service and 
wish them all the very best.

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