My politics are of a practical kind – the integrity of the country, the supremacy of the Federal government, an honorable peace, or none at all.

On the mountains mistakes are fatal. In politics, mistakes are wounding emotionally, but you recover. Personally, wilderness helps me get back in touch with natural rhythms, helps me reflect and, in the process, restore my creativity.

I think one of the most threatening places to be in politics is a black conservative because there are so many liberals who want to continue to reinforce a stereotype that doesn’t exist about America.

The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.

A politician will do anything to keep his job – even become a patriot.

America’s present need is not heroics but healing not nostrums but normalcy not revolution but restoration.

Our party is a diverse one, as is my home state of Illinois.

The art of politics consists in knowing precisely when it is necessary to hit an opponent slightly below the belt.