I've learned over the years that identity has a whole lot less to do with location or other people's expectations than with your own sense of self and self-confidence.

"Government" is the name we give to the things we choose to do together.

One great thing about being a black man is that if you put on a hat, you can move around unnoticed.

I do identify with St. Patrick, not just in name. He drove the snakes out of Ireland. I intend to drive the snakes out of the State House

Be present - and see what a difference it makes in your lives and in the world.

I very much believe in values-based leadership, and that the values that I believe in and try to govern by are transcendent values. They have nothing to do with race or even with political parties. Secondly, I think nothing substitutes for the power of the grassroots by showing them the courtesy of going to them where they are and inviting them to take part in the political process.

I’m planning to stay in politics now, but, you know, George Burns worked until he was 100. I don’t know. I don’t want to be a Senator until I’m honored.