On the recordFebruary 28, 2011
Senator Risch's comments prompted me to think of a time when I was first elected to the House of Representatives. Senator McClure had long been counseling and working with me and helping me to see the kind of civility about which Senator Risch talked and also that strong, powerful leadership he brought to issues. When I was first elected to the House of Representatives--I began thinking as Senator Risch was talking--Jim McClure and Louise invited me to go to dinner. Jim and Louise sat with me for an evening right here in Washington, DC, at a local restaurant. We just talked about politics, about Idaho, about America, about the world, and about how one should lead on issues as they dealt with them in Congress. I have to tell you, it would take too long to repeat all the lessons I learned that night that were taught to me by Senator McClure as he made that extra step to reach out. I said in my initial remarks he was a mentor and a role model for me. I truly mean that.
