[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17] [Senate] [Pages 23800-23801] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]THANKING SENATORS Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, while the Senator from Idaho is on the floor, I made some comments earlier about the pleasure of being able to work with him in the Senate. I wish to also recognize the fine work he has done on energy. We certainly appreciate his work on that. Colorado is an energy-rich State. We have all forms of energy, not only fossil fuels but also wind and solar and geothermal. I think Senator Craig has been very sensitive to those. When working with the Senator from Idaho I felt like he truly had the Nation's interest in mind. It has been a pleasure for me to serve with Senator Craig, particularly on the Appropriations Committee. The Senator brought in a very competent staff and was himself extremely knowledgeable. As we leave this institution, I wish to thank the Senator from Idaho for all the work he did to help me along with legislation. What a privilege it has been to be able to know Senator Craig and work with him in the Senate. Also, I wish to recognize the Senator's hard work in the Senate. Senator Salazar was making some comments earlier on, talking about my retirement. I happened to have gone [[Page 23801]] downstairs and grabbed a lunch and there he was. I also want the people of Colorado to know I have enjoyed working with Senator Salazar. We have not agreed on some of the national issues, but I think generally one thing we have agreed on is we need to work for Colorado. I think we have truly been partners in that effort. I appreciated the opportunity to get to know you. I'm reminded that when Colorado came into the Union, in 1876--we are known as the Centennial State--the Republicans were pretty much in control of everything. You see, Colorado is a State that is recognized as a swing State, it swings back and forth between the Republican and Democratic Parties. But at that particular time, there was a big effort to have a Senator from the north and a Senator from the south of our State. Similarly, today, I grew up about as far north as you can get in Colorado, Senator Salazar grew up about as far south as you can get in the State of Colorado. I think, at least in the spirit, and certainly in geographic location, we have been able to represent all of the State of Colorado and deal with those issues in a civil and responsible way. I wish to thank Senator Salazar publicly for his service to the State of Colorado and also want the people of Colorado to know I highly respect Senator Ken Salazar, who is sitting in the chair right now, for his dedication and the rich heritage he has in the State of Colorado. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve with Senator Salazar in the State of Colorado and I wish the Senator well in future years. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Idaho. Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, before the senior retiring Senator from the State of Colorado leaves, let me thank him for his gracious comments. We have been a very good team and have partnered on a lot of issues over the years because we have such common interests in mind. Our States are very similar in so many ways. The State of Colorado happens to have the hydrocarbons we do not have, when it comes to gas and oil. But at the same time, agriculture, water and timber, tourism, and all the great things many people attribute to the West are embodied in the State of Colorado and certainly in the State of Idaho. But a very special thanks to Senator Allard for your fine comments. The work the Senator has done on behalf of his State is precedent setting. I hope--I know--the Senator will be continually recognized for that. But let me also say the Senator and his wife Joan have become good friends of both my wife Suzanne and I. Those are the kinds of friendships that build partnerships in the Senate. I hope other Senators recognize the Senate works well when Senators are friends and partners. Now, we may have our disagreements along the way, and there may be some disagreements between Democrats and Republicans, but when the collegiality of the Senate leaves, the Senate no longer works or works as well as it should on behalf of our citizens. Certainly, the collegiality between the Craigs and the Allards has been longstanding and greatly appreciated. Thank you. Mr. ALLARD. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________