There are very few people who have had as much public impact as I've already had... without being elected to public office in Massachusetts.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I went to Massachusetts to make a difference. I didn't go there to begin a political career running time and time again. I made a difference. I put in place the things I wanted to do.
I ran for public office to do something good.
I didn't intend to run for public office. I didn't really think about it.
I spent the better part of my developing years in Massachusetts.
Most of the people who are in elective office in Washington, D.C., they have held public office before. How's that workin' for you?
When I left office in 1979, I was about the only one who had really left public office on my own.
When I first ran for public office, it was with the passion and idealism of a young man who believed that government could help make our lives better, that public service was a calling and that citizenship demanded responsibilities. There was a greater good.
I'm extremely proud of my family's record of public service to Massachusetts and the nation.
I'm not one of the people who have to be in public office.
I have been a lifelong community activist and frankly did not dream of being in public office.