I think a public official ought to follow his conscience as to what is in the public interest, not what will protect his job.

Today the Internal Revenue Code constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. A flat tax would be an enormous step forward.

But one way or another, judges perform a very vital function in our society. They have a risky job and they are entitled to security.

The solicitor general is sometimes referred to as the 10th Supreme Court justice - a pretty important position.

I'd make - before I'd elect somebody - I'd make him do town meetings and face the people and then I would insist that the person not run on a platform of no compromising. The meaningful thing that the leaders could do would be to be dedicated to a discussion across the isle, to vote their consciences and not to follow the strict party line. I think that would lead to sensible decisions.

I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

My tenure in the Senate was really as an independent and whichever, regardless of party label.