Political Quotes

“once again today, the Speaker of the Whole House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), has proven that he is a decent, fair, humble, and, today, magnanimous person, putting the institution first. The truth is neither party has an exclusive on integrity or ideas. There are good and decent people in both parties. But we are not your enemy. Al Qaeda is our enemy. We are competitors. We need to stick together and pursue unity and reconciliation. Sometimes that means setting your own beliefs aside, which the Speaker did today for the purpose of the institution, holding it up above our own view of how things should be done. I have spoken out when I thought we were going in the wrong direction, but in this case I, frankly, think the rules proposals were reasonable. And if one Member's foot was not in a snare today, I think a lot of Members over here would have agreed to them. But that is not a discussion point anymore. I appeal to both sides. Let us make sure that this ethics conflict does not turn into a circular firing squad. It is not in our country's best interest and it is not in this institution's best interest. Let us pursue, as much as we can in the competitive battles we fight on ideas and our agendas, let us pursue reconciliation and unity, especially when it comes to the ethics of this great institution, putting it above either party's political agendas. It will serve our country well, and the Speaker should be commended. {time} 2000”