It is a sound and important principle that the representative ought to be acquainted with the interests and circumstances of his constituents.

I want to contribute to the orderly functioning of Parliament and ensure decisions are made in a reasonable time. I aim to make Parliament a place where people can be heard

I occupy my thoughts with what I can do to better the lot of my constituents, they voted for me because they have confidence in me to solve their problems not to be trading words.

Our job is not to be a "good Democrat" or a "good Republican"; it is to be a good American, and I really believe that. You know, I love this country. It has afforded me a tremendous opportunity in my life. It amazes me some days that I am a congressman and that I became a dentist. I didn't start with a whole lot in life, and I had to do it a little bit the tough way. It's extraordinary to me that a guy like me literally has had this chance, and it's because it's America. We have to keep that. So, when we are always just voting a party line—whatever that is—I don’t believe that’s healthy. I believe we have human intellect that require us to think through what is best for our district—and what is best for our country—and then you do have to think that through because it isn’t always the same

As their Member of Parliament, I had to make an informed choice, either to serve their interest or the interest of the party.

I do think that when there's a wide spectrum of debate on an issue, that is where the public plays a role. That is where the public needs to call their member of Congress and say, 'This is something that I care about,'...Where I do have trust is in my colleagues' capacity to change and evolve and be adaptable and listen to their constituents."

In my many years as a Representative in Congress it is my observation that the district that is best represented is the district that is wise enough to select a man of energy, intelligence, and integrity and reelects him year after year. A man of this type and character serves more efficiently and effectively the longer he is returned by his people.

My primary responsibility is to my constituency, where I've successfully lobbied for development. I've also made significant contributions in raising awareness of gender issues within the community.

When I took on this position a few years back, what I felt was the most important statement and most the important guidance I could give my members is that I have to and I will respect the regional differences that we have within the state. Having run for a state-wide office many years ago it gave me a greater appreciation of the regional differences, not only is it just regional, but it is also philosophical. I have members that are very conservative but that reflects their district.

We must develop this position reasonably, prudently, sensitively - we must be sure we don't inflame the passions of unthinking men to garner a vote; yet it is essential that the position I believe in be explained.

[T]he most important position in a democracy is not the office of the President. The most important office is the office of citizen, because if you have citizens who are informed and know about other countries, and recognize that if we provide foreign aid to some distant country in Africa, that ultimately may make us healthier. And if you have a citizenry that recognizes that even if I have to pay slightly more in taxes — which nobody likes paying taxes -- but if I do, maybe I can provide that young child who lives in a poorer neighborhood an opportunity for a better life. And then because she has a job and a better life, she can pay taxes, and then everybody has more, and the society is better off. If you don't have citizens like that, then you're going to get leaders who think very narrowly and you'll be disappointed. So the job — one thing I always tell young people, don't just think that you elect somebody and then you expect them to solve all your problems and then you just sit back and complain when it doesn't happen. You have to work as a citizen also to provide the leaders the space and the direction to do the right thing. It's just as important for you to challenge ignorance or discrimination or people who are always thinking in terms of war — it's just as important for you to do that as the President because I don't care how good the person, the leader you elect is, if the people want something different. In a democracy, at least, that's what's going to happen.

As a politician, I am a servant of the people and one of my tasks is to contribute positively to the community and ensure a better quality of life for all, especially our children who are our future heroes.

I have come to a decision which I felt I should tell you and all of my fellow American citizens, as soon as I was certain in my own mind and in my own conscience that it is the right thing to do. I have learned already in this office that the difficult decisions always come to this desk. I must admit that many of them do not look at all the same as the hypothetical questions that I have answered freely and perhaps too fast on previous occasions. My customary policy is to try and get all the facts and to consider the opinions of my countrymen and to take counsel with my most valued friends. But these seldom agree, and in the end, the decision is mine. To procrastinate, to agonize, and to wait for a more favorable turn of events that may never come or more compelling external pressures that may as well be wrong as right, is itself a decision of sorts and a weak and potentially dangerous course for a President to follow. I have promised to uphold the Constitution, to do what is right as God gives me to see the right, and to do the very best that I can for America.

I'm elected to do a job. I'm professional, and I'm cordial. I want to get as much using our collaborative efforts that we can for our district, but my job isn't to be friends.