Milestone: Sen. Ted Kennedy casts 15000th vote

Today, a major political milestone was reached by one of the greatest and most dedicated Senators in American history. Senator Ted Kennedy cast his 15,000th vote and reached a plateau that only two other Senators, including Robert Byrd, had previously met.

Senator Mitchell, a Republican, made a passionate speech about Kennedy. He reminded his colleagues that Senator Kennedy was the 3rd most prolific member of Congress. Senator Kennedy’s time spent in public office spans over four decades. Mitchell also remarked that while Republicans often paint Kennedy as a big spender of American tax dollars, the fact was that his effectiveness in Congress allowed him to turn the legislature into his domain while speaking passionately about issues that he championed.

Senator John Kerry on the Democrat side praised Mitchell’s characterization of Ted Kennedy and continued to thank him for his contributions to Congress. Senator Kerry lauded Senator Kennedy as among the greatest progressives to set foot in Washington. Kerry brought up Senator Kennedy’s record on jobs, aids, health coverage, disability, bilingual education and other major American successes over the years.

The man is well respected by men on both sides of tie aisle. It was a beautiful moment in American history during a time when partisan politics have created sharp differences in the policy direction of Republicans and Democrats.

Fred Soto is an Attorney and Entrepreneur from the Silicon Valley.
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