When people see independent thinking on the other side, they cheer. But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize, and even censure them.

As many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year, and at times even joked about, I haven’t exactly been excited about running for another term.

It's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species.

Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don’t give a damn about the people they promised to represent on the campaign trail.

When people sue independent thinking on the other side, they cheer. But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize and even censure them.

If you've got to surprise or jam your conference to get something done, you're a pretty sh***y legislator.

It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.

In Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species.

I cannot support this bill in its current form.

It is inescapable that this bill in its current form will betray the very promise that Donald J. Trump made.

We can and must accomplish this without hurting our rural communities and hospitals.

I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians, and I cannot support this bill in its current form.