Robert Pittenger: “Much has been said and written about the ratings of the United States Congress and the approval of what the American…”

“Much has been said and written about the ratings of the United States Congress and the approval of what the American people think of us. It is somewhere right around 10 percent. Let me tell you those ratings don't take into consideration Howard Coble. My esteemed friend in this Congress is regarded by his own constituents as a family member. Howard Coble chose not to be married, but what became his family were his constituents. What became his friends were his colleagues in Congress. Both sides of the aisle love Howard. I am one, Congressman Coble, who loved seeing you out there on that back row every time I walked in, with a big smile and a good story, and everybody would come by and say hello to Howard during the course of the session, just to see you, because you are special to all of us. Yes, my good friend, Congresswoman Foxx, did tell a story about how my life was spared as I was chewing some chicken, and I realized I couldn't chew and laugh at the same time as I tried to swallow that chicken, and then here came Mr. Huckabee to give me the Heimlich and save my life. Well, you know, I was in a primary a year after that. It was 11 people in the primary, and the one good thing about that is I got a sympathy vote from Mike Huckabee, and he endorsed me, so that was a good thing. Howard, thank you. Thank you for being committed in your job.…”