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I entered politics from a completely different background from other people in this field, and that has helped me to see and deal with things differently.

If I went into politics, it's because I grew up in a political atmosphere.

I had no intention of entering politics, but then the force of events led me to become involved in politics.

I'm not sure I had a political career for the future anyway. I'm not sure that politics was what I wanted to spend my life doing.

I just feel like I'm a very lucky person to have a new life outside of politics.

I got into politics when I was eight years old.

I had no intention of getting back into politics. I was teaching at Bowdoin and happily retired from politics.

I came into politics because I wished to change things. You can't do that by lying to people; you have to educate, and persuade, and carry them with you - and it's often a long haul.

Those life experiences that helped shaped my political beliefs are with me in every position I take and every vote that I cast - whether it be in favor of comprehensive immigration reform, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, or improving our nation's education system.

It takes heart to be in political life.