The extremists took over the primary process.

No senator's vote, except for the declaration of war or the authorization for the use of force, is more important than the confirmation of a nominee for the Supreme Court for a lifetime appointment.

I just was not going to subject my record to the bleak prospects of a primary election.

Strong advocacy for education, health care and worker safety will be indispensable if they are to get their fair share of President Bush's austere budget for the next fiscal year.

My tenure in the Senate was really as an independent and whichever, regardless of party label.

The solicitor general is sometimes referred to as the 10th Supreme Court justice - a pretty important position.

If enough people would come out the right wing, the extremists couldn't dominate.