Political Quotes

“every politician alive should aspire for that moment, like Bob Michel, when the last words of tribute to his public service are: ``He was the face of decency in public service.'' This morning, Bob Michel, who served as the leader of the U.S. House of Representatives for the Republican Party, passed away at age 93. His replacement as Republican leader in the House marked the end of an era of civility--Congress has never been the same--but his life as the son of an immigrant, as a decorated veteran of World War II, and as a person who was first a staffer, then elected to Congress, and rose to leadership is a testament to his talent and his commitment to America. I had known Bob Michel for 35 years. We had adjoining congressional districts downstate. When he was elected in 1982, in the Reagan off- year election, it was a tough year for Republicans. Bob Michel barely survived. Attorney Doug Stevens, of Peoria, had about 48 percent, and Bob had 52 percent. Lane Evans, of the Quad Cities, was elected to Congress, and I was as well. For 14 years, we were neighboring Congressmen. Bob Michel came in and campaigned for my opponents. I went into his district to campaign for his opponents. You would think that would have created a negative relationship, but it didn't. Despite that--despite our differences on political issues--we were always friends, and we were always respectful. You could not help but be a friend of Bob Michel's.…”