My grandmother was not a U.S. citizen. Growing up along the border, you see the real human side of immigration - not the picture often drawn by politicians far removed from the border.

One of the things that ties people together, whether they live in a rural or urban area, is the really big number of people who have served in the military. Veterans issues are very important in the district.

The policy of the future cannot forever be determined by the politics of the past - or even the present.

For me, the issue is if I'm your advocate, if I'm your representative, my job is to stand up for you and talk about you and defend you.

Marriage is a good deal like a circus: there is not as much in it as is represented in the advertising.

I love my dad. There is no doubt about that. He is a wonderful man and a good person. Like many father/son relationships, we have our struggles, our misunderstandings, and our miscommunications. We are very different people, but also very similar at the same time.

I think all priests should be married.

I love country music so much. I love all kinds of music. But when it comes down to it, I'm from East Tennessee, and country melodies and country songs have always just sliced me in the heart.