Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James Thomas Kolbe, an Arizonan, a decorated Navy veteran, and a patriot who faithfully served my State and our country for most of his life. James Thomas Kolbe always introduced himself as Jim, and that is how he will be remembered by all those who knew him and those in this Chamber who were his colleagues. For 22 years, Jim also was well known in his hometown of Tucson and here in the Nation's Capitol by the position he held--Congressman. Congressman Kolbe died on December 3 at the age of 80. He led a long, accomplished life, and I am honored, truly honored, to hold the House seat he held for 11 terms. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege as a new Member of the United States House of Representatives to offer this tribute to a man I considered a friend, a mentor, and a role model. Jim was an elder statesman of Arizona politics. He was a proven vote- getter who knew how to build coalitions to achieve real results for his district, his State, and our Nation. He knew how to get things done in Washington but never forgot who sent him here and why. He was a tireless advocate for Arizona, and he brought that unique Arizona perspective to public policy debates for which this body is so well known. Jim served alongside giants and, in the process, became one himself. Barry Goldwater, Mo Udall, Ed Pastor, John McCain, Jon Kyl--Jim knew and worked with them all.…”