Several U.S. Senators spoke highly of U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Pendleton) on Wednesday, saying it was a pleasure to have served with him during his 12 years in the body, according to an article in The Oregonian.

"For 12 years, he has made the people of Oregon proud by serving as a model legislator: thoughtful, independent, and focused on getting results for our country and his state,'' said Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), as reported by Charles Pope.

Smith is participating in his final legislative session this week after he was defeated in the general election by U.S. Senator-elect Jeff Merkley (D-Portland).

"Although there is an aisle here that separates us politically, the aisle doesn't exist when it comes to respect and admiration,'' Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) said. "In those terms, I am your seat-mate in terms of my respect for you. I thank you for all you have done.''