The Swamp People

“I have something to say about politics, since we’re here. It is a serious matter – that I can tell you – that I raised three lovely sons in the swamp. They all loved the swamp,” birthday boy Tommy Quinn joked at his 80th. “It’s a great place to raise children and I recognize that they may not have turned out perfectly, but they did okay, considering that. No matter what anyone says, even the fella who has the hotel over there that we’re looking at, the swamp is a great place to raise little ones. I wish you all well as we go to the bar.”

That was actually at the end of the love fest so we’ll backup now: “I refer to him as monsignor, although he seldom hears my confessions. Tommy is for many of us the best friend a person could every have, because as Emerson once said, ‘To have a friend, it’s first to be a friend.’ And for all of us, no matter where we first met Tom Quinn, we have benefited from a long-lasting relationship and he always has never forgotten those of us who were part of this incredible group that are celebrating his 40th anniversary of his fourth decade: Sounds better that way. But, some of you know this, actually Tom and I go back to 1992, my days in the state legislature. I came to this town and someone said, ‘You know Costa, if you’re going to be in Washington very long, you need an attorney.’ So Tom Quinn’s my attorney. I pay him.” Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA)

“I appreciate all of you coming. A lot of great clients, longtime clients are here. The man’s here, the grandson. We’ve got a couple of people that wanted to make some brief remarks about Tom. I’m just really here to welcome all of you, although I must say, walking through here, more than one person said to me, ‘What is it with Hugh Hefner passing away and Tom having this party the same night?’ Where are the jokes in here? The only joke I really tell about Tom is when I see him, he’s always walking to work here every day. He’s always here relatively early and works a full day at 80 years old, as all of the clients can attest to, but I always tell Tom he reminds me of one of my favorite lines, ‘If you’re going to get old, get as old as you can get.’ Tom is ageless in doing that, and if you reach 80 at Venable while still working, you get a hat.” Stuart P. Ingis – Chairman, Venable