I'm as frustrated as citizens are that the Legislature didn't get more done, ... Senate Democrats passed a number of good bills on issues that Oregonians support, but the House Republicans chose to kill them.

Senate Democrats fulfilled our commitment to help children first, and we did so while also fighting meth, helping seniors, improving health care - especially for those with mental illness - and making government more open and accessible,

Democrats are in open disarray in the Senate. This is not the type of fight you win by coming late to it.

[Proponents -- mostly Democrats -- are threatening to tie up the Senate unless Lott schedules proceedings soon. The opponents?] Bring on the debate, ... We're ready for it.

There are many Democrats who want the Senate to serve its historic function as being the arena where controversies can be discussed and investigated, such as Watergate and Iran-Contra,

[Changing Speeds : While most Americans savor their last days of summer, Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats are gearing up to ask John Roberts tough questions about his judicial philosophy at his confirmation hearing next week.] We need to be sure this institution is in the mainstream of American thinking, ... What we need to do is ask the obvious questions.