Some of the best preparation I had for coming to Congress is being a football referee. Because you've got to make a decision, and no matter what you do, someone's unhappy with you.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I always step back and look at - you know, look at my background in playing team sports my whole life and taking that approach into Congress. It's not about me going, and you know, feeding my ego going to Congress.
I just want to be a really good congressman. You should look at what you are today and be the very best you can.
I loved my time in Congress, but people who spend all of their time planning to run for office have very few useful skills to deploy when they finally get there.
A lot about Congress is about forming good working relationships with people, and humor can really help you do that.
I've had a tough time learning how to act like a congressman. Today I accidentally spent some of my own money.
I was never supposed to make it to Congress. I was a staff person.
Americans have a lower opinion of Congress than they do of the NFL replacement refs, head lice, traffic jams, cockroaches and even the group to which yours truly belongs - Washington political pundits.
You can't go to Washington as a congressman and a senator and expect to make a difference all at once. You have to earn your way.
It's really important for me to do the fundamentals of this job really, really well. And to let people know that I think the core responsibilities of a member of Congress aren't seeking the national headlines or being the spokesperson on this issue or that issue when you just get there.
My focus has been on being a good congressman, and there is so much other work to do.