Political Quotes

“I rise today to mark a solemn anniversary. Fifteen years ago today, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was doing her job, holding a ``Congress on Your Corner'' event at a grocery store in Tucson, standing outside in the January sunshine, listening to her constituents, figuring out how she could help them. Then the unthinkable happened. In an instant, this moment of democracy turned into a tragedy. A gunman targeting Congresswoman Giffords killed six of our fellow Arizonans: Federal Judge John Roll, a dedicated public servant; Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, beloved members of the community; 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green, born on September 11, 2001, a budding public servant who had just been elected to her middle school student council; and Gabe Zimmerman, Gabby's director of community research who died doing the work that he loved. Thirteen others were wounded, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. She survived a gunshot wound to her head through the sheer force of her will, exceptional medical care, and the unwavering support of her husband, Captain Mark Kelly. I worked closely with Gabby when she was in the State legislature, and I served on the Phoenix City Council. She was a singularly talented leader, brilliant and tough as nails, with the rare gift for bringing people together.”