I've got the most beautiful district. I can understand why Republicans want it.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Every decision I make in Congress will be centered on the needs of the district.
The Democratic voters of the 26th district know me well, and I am confident I will have their support.
Further-more, partisan attachments powerfully shape political perceptions, beliefs and values, and incumbents enjoy advantages well beyond the way in which their districts are configured.
Sir, I am a republican; and I desire to see this House observe the principles of that democracy which is ever on the lips of its members, and which, I hope, is in their hearts, as I know and feel it is in mine, and mean it shall be in my conduct.
If you're going to do something to hurt the district I represent, I can't vote for it.
The Republicans have kind of painted themselves into a kind of a real demographic corner, if you will.
A lot of times, you're just so determined to get everything that you're going to vote 'no' if you don't. But if you get 75% of what you want and what your district wants, you should be satisfied with that.
In a genuinely conservative district like mine, it's hard to out-Republican me.
There's no safe Republican district. You can run, but you cannot hide.
I'm happy to work with Democrats. After all, they have to represent their districts just as I have to represent mine.