[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 20681-20682]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING SENATOR NORM COLEMAN

  Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to our former 
colleague, Norm Coleman.
  Norm once said, ``It is easy to criticize, particularly in a 
political season. But to lead is something altogether different. The 
leader must live in the real world of the price that might be paid for 
the goal that has been.''
  Norm Coleman is a leader. Norm or, more importantly, his character 
endured one of the most difficult elections in the history of the 
Senate, and came out standing taller in the eyes of many. It is not 
easy to lose. But it is so much harder to maintain your dignity in the 
face of defeat, which Norm has done.
  Having spent most of his life as a Democrat, Norm is what we would 
call a ``late bloomer.'' I also started out as a Democrat and voted for 
Jimmy Carter in 1976. In 1996, Norm realized that the path of the 
Democrat Party was paved for other people, not him. He joined the 
Republican Party to share in our vision to keep taxes low, reform 
education, and grow jobs.
  Norm more than adhered to this vision while in the Senate; he became 
a powerful voice on these issues. He also established himself as a 
fierce advocate for renewable energy. Norm fought for

[[Page 20682]]

tax incentives that would strengthen the development of renewable 
energy across our country. He saw renewable energy as the key to 
greater national security and economic stimulus.
  Norm also introduced legislation that would wean our Nation off our 
dangerous reliance on Middle Eastern oil by placing a greater emphasis 
on increasing renewable fuel infrastructure and alternative fuel 
technologies. His legacy will continue to thrive as we move our country 
closer to energy independence, through innovation, not government 
handouts.
  Norm's leadership did not end at the shores of our Nation. He 
established himself as a true voice in foreign policy issues by 
exposing the corruption that was rife throughout the U.N.'s Oil for 
Food program and becoming a fierce advocate for our servicemen and 
women.
  However, all of this pales in comparison to the legacy that he will 
leave in Minnesota. Throughout his entire Senate career, he never lost 
track of the voices of his constituents and the promises he made to 
them on the campaign trail.
  His greatest legacy, perhaps, will be bringing hockey back to 
Minnesota. Minnesota will enjoy the fruits of his labor for years to 
come.
  I consider Norm a friend and someone whom I respect and admire.
  Norm, we will miss you dearly. I wish you much success in the future 
knowing that great things lie ahead of you.

                          ____________________