Ashcroft bids a fond farewell

Senator John Ashcroft has said goodbye to his colleagues in Washington, delivering his farewell speech on the Senate floor. Ashcroft says he’s proud of legislative accomplishments during his term as a senator, but notes the laws he helps write are less important than family and community activities. Several fellow senators also took to the floor to express their gratitude and admiration for Ashcroft, including Missouri’s senior senator, Kit Bond. Ashcroft lost his bid for re-election to the late Mel Carnahan. Carnahan’s widow, Jean, has been appointed to take his place.