Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, did not spend a lot of time during his recent re-election campaign talking up the McCain-Feingold Act. The tough campaign finance legislation, which he sponsored in 2002 with a Democratic colleague, Senator Russell Feingold of Wisconsin, is unpopular with many conservative Republicans, and they have heaped scorn on Mr. McCain for his role in it ever since.

But Mr. McCain took time on the Senate floor on Tuesday morning to profusely praise Mr. Feingold, who lost his bid for a fourth term this month to Ron Johnson, a Republican businessman. “The Senate will be a much poorer place without Russ Feingold in it,” said Mr. McCain, who detailed their disagreements – specifically over the war in Iraq – and the civility with which they debated them.

“I will sorely miss his presence here,” Mr. McCain said. “I will miss the daily reminder of what a blessing it is to have a true friend in Washington.”

His voice sometimes seemingly choked with emotion as he continued: “In his time in the Senate, Russ Feingold every day and in every way had the courage of his convictions,” Mr. McCain, said adding, “I think he is one of the most admirable people I have ever met in my entire life. … I don’t think he is replaceable.”