Senator Leahy: Hi - I really am here now.

Albert Bridge School II: This is Jack. We are interested in knowing if you have always lived in Vermont and if so, what schools did you attend?

Senator Leahy: Thanks Jack. I was born in Montpelier and attended schools there. I went to St. Michael's college in Winooski and then to Georgetown Law in Washington. My wife and I live on a tree farm in Middlesex just outside of Montpelier - about 7 miles from where I was born.

Albert Bridge School I: Elana: Is there a teacher or an event that helped you decide to go into the field of government?

Senator Leahy: Elana, I grew up across the street from the statehouse and that inspired me. I also had teachers who emphasized the value of reading and learning and a professor who strongly stressed having the best possible government that we could have.

Albert Bridge School II: Some of us have been to the Echo Science Museum and have enjoyed the exhibits very much. How did you come up with the idea for a museum about the Lake? Where do you like to scuba dive?

Senator Leahy: I'm glad you like Echo at the Leahy Center. Many people worked on this as a place to learn and they deserve the credit more than I do. I scuba dive near the Virgin Islands and I have been scuba diving in Lake Champlain. I found out that it is a lot warmer in the Caribbean!

Albert Bridge School I: Laura: What is the most important bill and the most important committee that you are working on right now?

Senator Leahy: Laura, I am on 3 major committees, but right now we have a Supreme Court nominee before the Judiciary committee. What we do there is very important as it is a decision that will influence your rights for most of your life.

Albert Bridge School II: This is Olivia. What do you think about wind energy in Vermont?

Senator Leahy: Olivia, I know that there are many questions about where to put the windmills and how they might involve migrating birds and other birds. I think that there is a place for wind energy in our state and that we should try to make it work.

Albert Bridge School I: Mady: What do you think about tax breaks for citizens who conserve energy or drive hybrid cars?

Senator Leahy: Mady, I would rather spend our tax dollars on developing more energy efficient cars, like hybrids, and for developing better ways to conserve energy.

Albert Bridge School II: Ashley & Julie: We saw the picture of you with Harriet Miers on your website. How can you tell if a person will be a good Supreme Court judge? What do you think her chances are for being approved?

Senator Leahy: Ashley and Julie, we will have a very extensive hearing and ask her MANY questions. Each Senator has to use his or her best judgment in deciding whether she will make a good justice. Because this is a lifetime appointment, there is no room for mistake. Today, I can't even guess whether she will be confirmed or not.

Albert Bridge School I: James: What do you think is your greatest achievement or what would you like to be remembered for when you retire?

Senator Leahy: James, sometimes it gets too busy to think that far ahead. I do hope that people will feel I did my best for our state of Vermont and that I brought a good Vermont conscience to the Senate

Albert Bridge School I: Guess what? It's snowing right now. Cool!!

Senator Leahy: It was snowing this weekend at our home in Vermont. We also have a home in the Washington area - and it is a gray drizzle today. I'd rather have the snow!

Albert Bridge School II: This is Nick. What sports do you like to play?

Senator Leahy: Nick, I scuba dive, as you know. I was a champion marksman in college and still target shoot a lot, but not for competition. In the winter, my wife and I enjoy snow-shoeing and XC skiing at our farm. We also enjoy hiking at the farm in the summer.

Albert Bridge School I: We are proud of the values you bring to the Senate. Thank you for chatting with us. Also, thanks for taking us away from math class.

Senator Leahy: Math class was not my best class when I was in school - BUT it is even more important today than it was then and I am sure your teachers will tell you that. By the nature of your questions, it is obvious you have very good teachers and you are very bright. Your parents can be proud. Thanks for the nice words. Great to be with you.