Political Quotes

“Yesterday this country lost a leader of depth and integrity. Yesterday, we in this House lost one of our own. Yesterday I lost a role model and a friend. And yesterday Lois and Lisa, Todd, and Laura lost a husband and a father. Walter Capps was the professor that we called a freshman. Most of us come to Congress hoping that we will make a contribution of which we can be proud. Walter Capps came here having already done more than most of us can hope to do. Like many freshmen, I came here and I often seek advice. When I wanted to know what was the smart political move, I never called on Walter. But when I sought wisdom and thoughtfulness and a way of looking at things that is different from today's headlines or yesterday's poll questions, I sought out Walter Capps, and he was always there. We who hold elective office are often viewed as cynical manipulators of public opinion or as slaves to it. We are depicted as knowing more or caring more about politics than we do about substance. You can say what you will about most of us, but you cannot say all of us, because for a short time we served in this House with Walter Capps, and he is everything you want us to be. He was the best of us. He will be missed.”