Washington, D.C. -
With a simple vote today, Senator Susan Collins hit an impressive milestone - casting her 5,000 consecutive vote since being elected.
Collins has never missed a roll call vote since being sworn into the Senate in 1997. She is currently the longest serving Senator to do that.
Some of her colleagues recognized her accomplishment a few minutes after her vote was cast, saying it was a tribute to her Maine roots.
Democrat and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said, "I hope I don't get her in trouble with her colleagues, but I really like her. I appreciate her ability to work with us, work with everybody. She is somebody who you never have guess where she stands on an issue. I admire and appreciate her so much for that."
He also said, jokingly, "It's ridiculous the example she's set never missing a vote."
Collins' milestone vote was related to a business payroll tax credit bill.
She's gone to great lengths to ensure her flawless record, once twisting her ankle while racing to the Senate floor.
She also takes great care to ensure she isn't snowbound in Maine during the winter.
Even at 5,000 votes strong, Collins doesn't lead the Senate.
Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa has a longer streak, with more than 6,400 votes since 1993. His missed a vote then while touring flood damaged parts of the state with President Bill Clinton.
The all-time record at 10,252 consecutive votes is held by the late William Proxmire, a Democrat from Wisconsin.