Political Quotes

“I am a lucky politician, a fortunate soul. I am lucky that early in my political life, I met two men who had a dramatic impact on me and on my decision to seek public office and to be involved in public service. The first was a Senator from Illinois named Paul Douglas who served from 1948 to 1966 and decided in the year 1966 to hire a college intern named Durbin from East St. Louis, IL, who was going to school at Georgetown University. That was the first time I ever walked into a Senate office building, and I tell you, I was swept away by the experience. I knew at that time that I wanted to be a part of the excitement of this life on Capitol Hill and government, and I didn't know how I would ever have a chance to do it. I never dreamed I would run for office. But Paul Douglas, my first mentor in public service and political office, was there at the right moment in my life to inspire me to pursue at least some aspect of public service. He introduced me to a fellow named Paul Simon who later served as the U.S. Senator from Illinois. Paul was elected in 1984 and served until 1996. During that 12-year period of time, I was a Member of the House of Representatives. For many years before, Paul Simon had been my closest friend and mentor in politics. He gave me my first job out of law school, when my wife Loretta and I packed everything we owned in a very small truck.…”