Too many people, because they were white and poor, black and rich, or just plain busy with something other than politics, have felt they had no voice in our government.

I was assigned to a medical unit and was part of a group receiving men returning from theater headed to hospital care, many forever maimed with life-altering wounds. It made a strong impression because wounded men and body bags come back to home districts, not Washington, D.C., and accordingly, there is no more sacred vote than those surrounding war where life hangs in the balance.

Parents with meager means have the same aspirations for their children as other parents. Children from poor families have the same needs as other children.

Too many people in government seem to think they are above regular folks, and I said I would expect humility in the way each member of my team served- that they would recognize that the taxpayer is boss.

Sin is ground in the notion of what is there that I want.

I am one imperfect man saved by God's grace.

"I've become a huge fan of term limits," the former aide said, "because Armey and the others in leadership used to be just like you and your crew in their approach to spending. They have changed over the years."