Olympia Snowe quotes

In today's world, it is no longer unimaginable to think that business can operate - and even thrive - in an environmentally-friendly manner. (Olympia Snowe)
I've never backed down from a fight and I relish a good debate.
Olympia Snowe
What motivated me to dedicate myself to public service for nearly two-thirds of my life was the chance to produce results for those people who entrusted me to be their voice and their champion.
Olympia Snowe
I represent what I think is a traditional Republican... a limited government, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, individual freedom and liberty.
Olympia Snowe
We are not working out issues anymore. We are working on a parallel universe, with competing proposals, up or down votes.
Olympia Snowe
It's not healthy for the country to have parties with polar opposite views without that bridge that you need to build consensus.
Olympia Snowe
Ultimately, we're heading to having the smallest political tent in history, the way events have been unfolding. If the Republican Party fully intends to become a majority party in the future, it must move from the far right back toward the middle.
Olympia Snowe
Unfortunately, money in politics is an insidious thing - and a loophole in our campaign finance system was taken advantage of with money going to existing or new 527 groups with the sole purpose of influencing the election.
Olympia Snowe
At an unprecedented time with the worst attack ever on our soil, our President displayed extraordinary determination, leadership and resolve when history was thrust upon him and the United States.
Olympia Snowe
We recognized in 1996 that, with progress in the field of genetics accelerating at a breathtaking pace, we need to ensure that advances in treatment and prevention of disease do not constitute a new basis for discrimination.
Olympia Snowe
Hopefully, 21 years later, Judge Roberts possesses an openness with respect to issues of gender-based wage discrimination. (Olympia Snowe)
Most breast cancer-related deaths can be prevented through simple and painless preventive measures. A late diagnosis can result in more serious, long-term consequences.
Olympia Snowe
Indeed, we must foster cost-saving competition. And that means joining the marketplace of other industrialized countries - not just for the manufacturers who sell drugs, but for consumers as well.
Olympia Snowe
What happens is that, you know, on Mondays, at least in the Senate, you know, Monday night wed have what youd call a bed-check vote. Just to get, you know, the machinery of the Senate up and running so they can start the committee process; on Tuesday morning, things go. By Thursday, you know, jet fumes, the smell of jet fumes.
Olympia Snowe
I'm concerned it's going to become institutionalized.
Olympia Snowe
I understand that the hyper-partisanship in Washington makes people feel alienated.
Olympia Snowe
You can never solve a problem without talking to people with whom you disagree.
Olympia Snowe
I see a vital need for the political center in order for our democracy to flourish and to find solutions that unite rather than divide us.
Olympia Snowe
I do find it frustrating ... that an atmosphere of polarization and "my way or the highway" ideologies has become pervasive in campaigns and in our governing institutions.
Olympia Snowe
It is time that we provide clarity for our seniors, informing them of the services available that will lower the costs of their prescription drugs and strengthen the overall integrity of the Medicare entitlement.
Olympia Snowe
I have worked for three decades as a staunch advocate of building a 'big tent' party that includes both pro-choice and pro-life Republicans. (Olympia Snowe)
I have been immeasurably honored to serve the people of Maine for nearly 40 years in public office and for the past 17 years in the United States Senate. It was incredibly difficult to decide that I would not seek a fourth term in the Senate.
Olympia Snowe
I understand why so many Americans are fed up with government. The 112th Congress was almost universally derided as the worst ever. It was the most polarized body since the end of Reconstruction, according to one study, and I grew embarrassed by its partisan bickering, inactivity, and refusal to address the vital challenges facing America.
Olympia Snowe
What is the purpose of public service? It's to solve problems for the people you represent and certainly in the United States Senate, thinking about your state and thinking about your country as well.
Olympia Snowe
Two truths are all too often overshadowed in today's political discourse: Public service is a most honorable pursuit, and so is bipartisanship.
Olympia Snowe