We keep in regular touch, and there has not been ONE time when I have noticed a slip in his intellect, his dedication, or his honesty. I was ecstatic when he won his Senate seat six years ago, and am an unabashed supporter of his re-election campaign this November. When we last had some free time together, one of his major topics of interest was the domestic political situation in Germany and France--not something you hear ANY member of Congress talking about these days. He keeps his ear to the ground on a far greater range of subjects than he lets on (reminds me of Obama in that respect), as any US Senator should (and so many do not). We are SO lucky to have had him in the Senate these past years, and I am glad to hear (to the extent that I hear anything) that the pundits that used to say his re-election was a hopeless cause now say he has reason to be cautiously optimistic.

And thanks so much for posting.