The Hill News

Retiring Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.) emphasized the importance of the filibuster in his last speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, noting that while the procedural convention frustrates members of both parties, its role is vital and must be preserved.

"Mr. President, I love the Senate. It's not always a beautiful thing, and it's not always a picture of a well-oiled machine. But years ago, I found a home here," he began.

"All members are frustrated with the slower pace. They are right to be frustrated. But rules changes should be considered in light of the fact that we all know â€" that the Senate is not the House of Representatives. It serves a very different constitutional purpose and the existence of the filibuster remains important to ensuring the balanced government the framers envisioned." 

He went on.

"Indeed the history of the Senate is that of a struggle between compromise and intransigence. But this is the plae where we protect political minorities. This is the place where we make sure that the fast train of the majority doesn't overrun the minority, and while I'm sure there are changes being considered, I do think the filibuster should remain at 60 votes. Because during the long history of the senate, certain traditions have been adhered to by members on both sides of the aisle"

He said that in spite of delays on "important legislation," that "our constitutional framers would have been pelased to see this constitutional experiment working."

Kaufman assumed office in January 2009 after being appointed to Vice President Joe Biden's former seat. 

He commented Wednesday on the race to replace him, saying that he feels "awful" for Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) who lost in the GOP primary. He also said he believes victor Christine O'Donnell â€" whom he helped then-Sen. Biden defeat in 2008 â€" holds views that are too extreme for Delaware voters.

"There’s a lot of things I didn’t agree with him on, but he had such a great career and such integrity and he’s so smart. And to go out like this ... I just think it’s a shame," Kaufman said of Castle.

The video of Kaufman's floor remarks can be seen here.