Political Quotes

“I have had the privilege of serving in public office for 30 years, 22 of which have been in the United States Congress. I have met many wonderful people, cast some tough votes, and made some difficult decisions. It has been an honor, a challenge, a great responsibility, and I have enjoyed it immensely. For this I thank the Lord, my family, my extended family, staff, supporters, constituents, and friends. I am thankful tonight that some of them are in the gallery: my wife, Libby; son, Jim; daughter, Ann; son, John; Betsy and Trey. I also have some staffers who stayed up late to be here: Chris, Mary, Alexandra, Brianna, and Natalie. I thank them for hanging in here with me. Madam Speaker, in the words of the great philosopher Thomas Carlyle, who in his masterpiece ``Sartor Resartus'' said this: Sic vos non vobis. Thus we labor, but not for ourselves. That is what I have tried to do as a Member of Congress, and tried to make a difference doing it. I have often wondered what it would be like to cast my last vote. Today I have done that, and I wonder no longer. In a minute, I will walk off the floor for the last time as a Member of Congress. I look forward to the next chapter in my life and the great things that lie ahead for our beloved country. Once more, I thank God, my family, my staff, friends, and constituents. It truly has been an honor of a lifetime.…”