At the risk of causing a stage-three cliche alert, let me say: the senate's confirmation of John Ashcroft as attorney general is the best of votes, it is the worst of votes.

It is the worst of votes because John Ashcroft's confirmation puts him in one of the most powerful positions in our government with potential for the most pervasive impact on all of our hard-won rights.

It is the best because of the significant number of  "no" votes generated by grassroots opposition to this cabinet nominee -- the largest ever against a nominee for attorney general.

Our unprecedented coalition has been forged in the fire and is stronger and more effective than ever before. Our movements are growing, the bonds among us are solid, and we are determined and prepared to expand our ranks and our influence in these times of great danger.