Alan K. Simpson

“Peer pressure is a huge part of youth behavior, whether one grows up in Washington, D.C., or Cody, Wyo.”

“Restoring and maintaining a great nation's fiscal health will require not just sound arguments and an engaged public but something more. It will require an electoral system that encourages our representatives to place the long-term interests of the public ahead of parochial special interests.”

“You were doing a sadistic little disservice to your country.”

“Stemming the tide of special interest campaign cash - and restoring fiscal responsibility in Congress - is no easy task. But there is one place where concerned citizens in both parties can begin: Changing the source of money that funds all campaigns.”

“If you're in the game long enough, you're going to be the toast of the town one day, and the next day you'll be toast.”

“I consider abortion to be a deeply personal and intimate issue for women and I don't believe male legislators should even vote on the issue.”

“Money's dominance over politics isn't merely one problem of many our country faces. It is the problem! It is a growing crisis that prevents us from tackling anything else.”

“If children who commit crimes are not given the opportunity of a second chance, they may die in prison for acts made before having developed the cognitive and emotional skills needed to make informed and smart decisions and choices.”

“I am living proof that youth possess a unique capacity to grow and change - that the child who seems hopeless today could go on to change the world.”

“The concept of government of, by, and for the people isn't just a platitude. It's the moral construction of our nation. It's in our bones.”

“I served three terms in the U.S. Senate and was co-chairman of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in 2010. So I know a bit about how Washington operates, and I have had plenty of experience doing the work of running for office.”

“He's a million rubber bands in his resilience.”

“Any education that matters is liberal. All the saving truths, all the healing graces that distinguish a good education from a bad one or a full education from a half empty one are contained in that word.”

“Without the confidence to know our democracy is functioning properly, we risk more disillusionment, more cynicism, and even more public apathy toward the entire system.”

“Let us end 'don't ask, don't tell.'”

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.”