Quote

Growing up, when we would get dragged to these events, I didn't want to be there. Over time, as we got older, I developed a real appreciation of the importance of being involved in the democratic process.

I was losing interest in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused me again. What I have done since then is pretty well known.

In 2006 it was a horrible election year, and, you know, I lost. But I lost because I continued to be a constant conservative, and the last six years I was someone who was a national figure in the sense that I was the third ranking Republican in leadership and I had just run President Bush's campaign in Pennsylvania.

I left the Democratic Party basically on issues of national security during the end of the Vietnam War.

I had quit the Congress to form the Progressive Democratic Front in 1978.

I lost my election because of my campaign, not because of what anyone else did.

I helped to restore America's leadership.

I've completely lost faith in the Democratic Party to truly serve the disadvantaged.

I joined a Republican Party that was used to losing, used to being browbeaten by the Democrats. I represent a totally different style.

I loved being in the Senate. That was a wonderful experience.