Commending Senator Norm Coleman

Floor Speech

COMMENDING SENATOR NORM COLEMAN -- (Senate - August 06, 2009)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I join my colleagues in appreciation and admiration of Senator Norm Coleman. Norm has been a faithful public servant to the people of Minnesota, a principled leader, and a good friend. He made a difference here in Washington, and I feel privileged to have served with him in the U.S. Senate.

Norm and Laurie arrived in Washington at the same time as Sandy and me. We experienced many of the same challenges and adjustments that freshman Senators face, and we encouraged each other by facing them together. Norm and I found we shared a common approach to solving problems, and partnered to advance legislation whenever we could.

Norm said his best ideas came from the people of Minnesota, and they can be proud of what he achieved in Washington. Norm supported conservation programs to protect his State's lakes, rivers, and woodlands. He had a real heart for children, especially those suffering from cancer or waiting to be adopted into loving homes. He was a champion of private-sector initiatives in alternative energy, including clean coal, wind power, and biomass technologies. Norm exposed fraud at the United Nations, waste in the Medicare Program, and tax evasion by defense contractors. Norm voted to put John Roberts and Samuel Alito on the U.S. Supreme Court. Norm consistently supported our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and he believed in their mission.

Some of my strongest memories of Norm were formed during our trip to Iraq in January of 2008, about a year after President Bush announced our surge of forces there. Norm had joined many Senators in supporting the surge, despite the political risk that support entailed. He understood that the strategy and leadership of GEN David Petraeus was America's best chance to succeed in Iraq.

Norm and I, along with Senator Johnny Isakson, visited Baghdad together. We had dinner with General Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, and discussed how we could facilitate political reconciliation in Iraq. We met with General Ray Odierno to discuss the new mission of population security, as well as the progress they were seeing in reducing violence and U.S. casualties. We toured a marketplace in western Baghdad, where U.S. and Iraqi forces had helped bring back shopkeepers and their customers by driving out insurgents and terrorists.

During our visit, I got to see the Norm Coleman that Minnesotans know very well. At Maverick Security Station in Baghdad, I saw Norm honor troops who hailed from the Twin Cities and throughout his State. At a meeting with Iraqi civilian leaders, I saw him offer encouragement to Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds working to build a free and democratic nation in the heart of the Middle East. And wherever we traveled, I saw his easygoing manner, his wry sense of humor, and his appreciation of the honor bestowed on him by his fellow Minnesotans.

Norm ran a tough race for reelection last fall, a race that lasted far longer
than the Minnesota winter. He mounted a legal challenge based on a clear principle: no Minnesotan should be disenfranchised. As chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, I was proud to support Norm as he pursued his case in the courts. And once the courts had spoken, I respected the grace with which he conceded the race, and the optimism he has shown for his own future, and that of our country.

Norm accomplished much in Washington, but I think he remains proudest of what he achieved closer to home. After Minnesota's hockey team moved to my home state of Texas back in 1993, Mayor Norm Coleman of St. Paul led the effort to bring the National Hockey League back to the Twin Cities. Since the first puck dropped in 2000, the Minnesota Wild have sold out every game they have played, and every fan owes a debt of thanks to Norm Coleman.

I too am thankful for Norm Coleman, because he set a good example for all of us. He never let public service go to his head. He always put his faith and family first. He fought hard to keep his seat, but never failed to keep his cool.

I wish Norm and Laurie the very best, as their journey together continues.

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