In anticipation of his last day, Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) answered some questions for us about what it’s like to, well, not be a congressman anymore.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: "The joy of helping local constituents unfamiliar with the process to untangle federal red tape and solve problems."
Q: What won’t you miss?
A: "Late-night coffee at a truck stop in Breezewood while driving into Washington from the district."
Q: What’s next for you?
A: :"Tell reporters to buzz off. :)"
Q: Favorite story from being a member?
A: "The Republican conference during ‘the troubles’ in 1998 when Jim Ramstad shared his heroic, personal struggles and Sonny Bono described his character-forming encounter with Herve Villechaize on the set of Fantasy Island."
Q: When you woke up on Wednesday morning after the election, what did you think? Was it all a blur?
A: "The next morning, it was crystal clear. It was waking up after my first election that it was all a blur."
Q: Are you worried about your party and its future?
A: "Generally, yes, because the party has become disconnected from swing voters, young people and many highly educated professionals. The Republican Party needs to redefine itself around a strong economic agenda that speaks to the aspiration of working families and taxpayers. The Party itself has lost its appetite for reform and its organizational and technological edge. Fortunately, all of these problems are a solvable in the intermediate term with vision and bold messages."
Q: What surprised you about being a congressman?
A: "Despite the decline in civility in the institution, I continue to be impressed by the sense of public service that motivates most of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle."
Q: Your favorite quote?
A: "The motto for John Quincy Adams: Per Aspera ad astra (Through adversity to the stars)."
Q: Best piece of congressional advice you ever received?
A: "Never take it personally."
Copyright © 2008 Capitol News Company, LLC | Distributed by Noofangle Media
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