politics can be an ugly game, and in a national election the stakes get higher while the tactics get lower.

I was a trial lawyer when I was elected to Congress.

The promise of our country is that the rules are fair. If you work hard and play by the rules, you can earn your share of America's blessings. Those are the beliefs I learned from my parents.

If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman, he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.

If you ask me a question, don't tell me what the question is in advance, 'cause I'd rather not know.

National campaigns are tough. Yes, you have to be prepared to be attacked, and I have to tell you, if you get elected, you have to also be prepared.

I didn't serve on a committee that dealt with foreign policy.