JAMES MADISON LEACH

In perilous times, country comes before party.

Why is it so hard for the Congress to do something for the public?

Third world kids are dying today to pay off the debt.

Campaigning is uncomfortable when you start.

The best way to rob a bank is to own it.

There are a lot of smart people in politics and government, but character matters ... it is terribly important that the two be melded.

Geo-economics may replace geo-politics as the driving force in international relations.

Process is America’s most important [political] product.

We elect people who are good at getting elected rather than good at representing.

Once you're in the House for a few terms, it's hard to leave.

Campaigning is uncomfortable when you start.

Geo-economics may replace geo-politics as the driving force in international relations.

Issue definition implies the possibility of offending various constituency or interest groups—but if you don't offend them, you'll offend the body politic.

I've never been able to look someone in the eye and say, "Can you give me $500.

Once you're in the House for a few terms, it's hard to leave.

Process is America’s most important [political] product.

The banks use rather surreal accounting practices.

The best way to rob a bank is to own it.

There are a lot of smart people in politics and government, but character matters ... it is terribly important that the two be melded.

Third world kids are dying today to pay off the debt.

Moderation in the pursuit of truth is no virtue. Vigilance in the defense of public ethics is no vice.

We elect people who are good at getting elected rather than good at representing.

Why is it so hard for the Congress to do something for the public?

You've got to lose a few [elections] before you learn what the American system is all about.

In perilous times, country comes before party.