Family responsibility, yes, and always. Family bankruptcy due to the cruel rules of government, no.

I always said that though I was the first, I wanted to be the first of many.

George Mitchell was a very good leader, and we were more than satisfied with his leadership. And I know the guys were jealous.

When one gets old and they are sick, there are not many things they can count on but they should be able to count on Social Security. Our seniors' retirement should never rely on the bull of political promises or the bear of the market.

In my very first term there was an issue that brought us [George Mitchell, Ted Kennedy, Chris Dodd] together in a very deep, emotional, and personal level.It was called 'spousal impoverishment' and it meant that for one person [to go into] a nursing home, the family [ ], could go near bankruptcy, and then they'd end up with a lien on the family farm or the home. And so I wanted to change that.

Community colleges are one of Americas great social inventions a gateway to the future for first time students looking for an affordable college education, and for mid-career students looking to get ahead in the workplace.

Let us get on with creating the democratic and pluralistic society that we say we are.