[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18284]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMENDING SENATOR COLEMAN

  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to my distinguished 
colleague from Minnesota, Senator Norm Coleman.
  I worked with Senator Coleman since 2002 when he was elected U.S. 
Senator of Minnesota. Norm is a man of integrity and patriotism. He has 
dedicated most of his adult life to serve the people of Minnesota. 
While he served in the Minnesota Attorney General's Office for a large 
portion of his career and eventually became solicitor general, he is 
highly praised in the city of St. Paul for his successes as mayor. His 
vision and execution to revitalize the city of St. Paul became a 
benchmark for success in local governing. Because of his 
accomplishments as mayor, he gained higher approval ratings in 
Minnesota than most politicians in Washington ever receive in their 
entire careers.
  During his tenure as U.S. Senator, Norm was a leader in strengthening 
our homeland security and national defense. He consistently supported 
and sponsored measures that provide our troops with the important tools 
they need to defend our freedoms overseas and fought to make sure they 
receive the proper care and services as they return home. Additionally, 
Norm remained a strong voice for alternative fuels and energy 
independence. The Commonwealth of Kentucky and I are thankful for his 
diligence in promoting clean energy.
  He always fought for what he believes is best for Minnesotans and for 
America. While we are sad to see him go here in the Senate, we are 
grateful for his contributions. I am honored to know him and to have 
worked with him. I wish his wife Laurie, his children, Jake and Sarah, 
and him the best in all of their future endeavors.

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