The thing is, if you control the Senate meetings, you control the gavel. And the gavel is a very important instrument... an instrument of power. An instrument that establishes the agenda.

If you look at Reagan who had two [failed Supreme Court] nominees, who lost control of the Senate and had Iran-contra, did he still have a successful final three years? Absolutely, ... One of the great strengths of this team has been from the beginning their ability to keep their eye on the big picture and long-term [goals], while also dealing with short-term challenges.

Bill Bradley seems to be coming on fairly strong ... I know them both, served with them in the Senate, they're both very accomplished people. But I tell what, if you think Al Gore is boring, just wait.

In the bill that was introduced in the Senate, in the bill that I introduced along with some members, we preserve the tactical intelligence part of the equation, ... And so, I hope we can change their minds.

When a member of the House moves over to the Senate, he raises the IQ of both bodies

Though my plans at the moment are vague, I can assure you that I'll never run for the Senate in New York.