Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. It is an honor to be here. Discussing my Agriculture Committee chairman and my colleague for 2\1/2\ years, Bob Smith, is truly an honor. When I was sworn in, in a special election and I first surveyed this body, one of the faces I recognized was this huge figure of a man standing at the back brass rail. I can still almost see Bob right over there surveying the House floor and watching the process. Bob was one of those folks who had a quiet, calm demeanor. He was a wonderful mentor to me in that first 6 months, then he went home to the ranch for 2 years, and then we begged him to come back and lead the Agriculture Committee for the next 2 years. Bob was a wonderful mentor to me. He was a wonderful mentor to the underclassmen. The first times that I went with the committee on trips to understand agriculture around the world was with Bob, and he had a diplomat's style and skill. He was firm. As Congressman Walden remembered, he wouldn't take anything from anyone. He had a way about him. He gained your trust and he gained your confidence. It is hard to believe that he is not with us anymore. But Bob was one of those folks whose personality, his heart, and his intellect were just as big and broad as those shoulders were. I consider myself fortunate for having served with him. I know the family will miss him with intensity forever. But, Mr. Speaker, 89 years is a good, long life.…”