I will work hard to try to get rid of the death penalty. If I could do that, with all the other things I have not succeeded in doing, I would consider my political career to have been a resounding success.

I often quote Hitler, who said words to the effect of, Rulers are fortunate that the people do not think. Politicians know this. Even when the public seems to be upset, the politicians know if they can put on a brave face and ride it out, they generally will.

I do know how to treat people and that is treat them the way I want to be treated. So when I extend that respect and that consideration that I would like to have, there is a certain amount of reciprocating. Some of the senators have even said words to the effect to me of I can't dislike you as much as I wish that I did.

I fell into politics by accident. It was not something I planned. It just happened because I'd done so much reading and work in the community, I was prepared to do the job when the opportunity came along.