Those of us who have had the privilege of serving with Tom Coburn will be sad to lose him as a colleague here in Washington.  Tom and I entered the Senate at the same time, becoming friends after our wives struck up a conversation at an orientation dinner.  And even though we haven’t always agreed politically, we’ve found ways to work together – to make government more transparent, cut down on earmarks, and fight to reduce wasteful spending and make our tax system fairer.  The people of Oklahoma have been well-served by this “country doctor from Muskogee” over the past nine years, and I’m confident that Tom’s strength and optimism will carry him through the battles to come.  Michelle and I will always be grateful to Tom and Carolyn for their friendship, and we wish them all the best in all the years ahead.