Political Quotes

“last Friday the Nation lost a distinguished public servant. Bob Stump humbly and admirably served his country and represented Arizona for nearly 60 years. His service began as a Navy medic during World War II and continued in Arizona in the State legislature and then here in the United States House of Representatives. From his Stetson hat down to his dusty leather boots, Bob personified the independence and western congeniality of Arizona. The soft-spoken conservative was true to his beliefs and always represented his constituents with integrity and determination. Like so many courageous young men of his time, Bob enlisted in the Navy at the age of 16, too young to legally do so, in the midst of the second world war. He was elected to Congress in 1976 and, drawing on his military experience, Bob established himself as the preeminent champion for active military personnel and veterans. His insight and knowledge on issues landed him the chairmanship of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 1995, and then in 2000, the chairmanship of the House Committee on Armed Services. Even still, he never let the power go to his head. He was one of the few Congressman, indeed probably the only committee chairman, to personally answer his office telephone. I looked to Bob Stump on so many issues. His advise was always thoughtful, solid, and consistent. He was the dean of our delegation, and I will sorely miss his leadership and friendship.”