Keeping Faith in Congress

Why Persistence, Compassion, and Teamwork Will Save Our Democracy

Keeping Faith in Congress

Why Persistence, Compassion, and Teamwork Will Save Our Democracy

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In 1996, Walter Capps won a seat in US House of Representatives. Less than a year later, he suffered a massive heart attack at Dulles Airport and died in his wife's arms. Lois Capps, a retired school nurse, decided just a few days later to run for her husband's seat. She won that election and went on to serve eight more terms in Congress, representing the central coast of California and advocating progressive causes.

In Keeping Faith in Congress, Lois Capps poignantly tells her story--of her husband's death and her decision to run, of her daughter's death to cancer just a few years later, of her efforts to work across the aisle, and of her work on behalf of her constituents.

No matter what personal or professional obstacles she faced, Representative Capps never lost faith in democracy. Instead, even the challenges taught her lessons. Now she shares those lessons, hoping that others can be inspired to work on behalf of the common good.

Foreword by Nancy Pelosi.

Reviews

Review in the Santa Barbara Independent: "Lois Capps Reflects on Struggles in New Book"

Interviews

Lois Capps on KCRW Radio.

Endorsements

Lois Capps's career—and this book—should be a roadmap for all who want to serve in elective office.

"Lois Capps and I served the people of California in Congress for many years, and I always admired her tenacity and her civility. It’s no wonder she was voted the Nicest Member of the House! Her career proves that you can treat people with respect—even your political opponents—and still get things done. Her career—and this book—should be a roadmap for all who want to serve in elective office."

Senator Barbara Boxer

A reminder of how sorely needed Capps’s model of 'servant leader' is in our current political moment.

"Lois Capps has written an eloquent and moving account of the lessons learned during her decades of distinguished public service both on and off Capitol Hill. Weaving together stories and Scripture, Keeping Faith in Congress is a testament to the importance of balancing conviction with an open heart and an open mind. And it is a reminder of how sorely needed Capps’s model of 'servant leader' is in our current political moment."

E. J. Dionne Jr. | senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics after the Religious Right"

Lois Capps’s book is the answer to our prayers. 

"For those of us who believe in progressive politics and progressive values, Lois Capps’s book is the answer to our prayers. A must read for everyone who, like Lois, has what FDR called ‘a strong and active faith.'"

Paul Begala |political strategist and former advisor to President Bill Clinton

A timely, insightful, and powerful read.

"Lois Capps dedicated her life to the principles outlined in this book: honesty, faith, decency, and teamwork. I saw it firsthand when we served together on the Energy and Commerce Committee and when I traveled to her home district for a faith and politics event. Her words provide a timely, insightful, and powerful read."

Congressman Fred Upton

A moving, perceptive memoir

"This moving, perceptive memoir demonstrates what many of her former colleagues and constituents know full well about Lois Capps: she is fiercely dedicated to living out her principles and to being, to borrow her own words, a steadfast 'servant leader'—while also being one of the most thoughtful members of Congress. I miss Lois but am grateful that she continues to share her insights through this book."

Congresswoman Diana DeGette

Capps makes it clear that our country and communities are stronger when everyone has a place at the table.

"Reading about Lois Capps’s service in Congress makes it clear that a person of faith can make a difference, for she presents an alternative face of Christianity that acknowledges and welcomes diverse experiences and convictions. Capps makes it clear that our country and communities are stronger when everyone has a place at the table.​"

Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton | presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Recommended for those of us who are fed up with the name-calling, hyper-partisanship, and cynicism that currently pervade American politics. 

"This is an inspirational book, especially recommended for those of us who are fed up with the name-calling, hyper-partisanship, and cynicism that currently pervade American politics. Lois Capps served two decades in the House and earned a reputation for compassion, competence, and integrity. Capps is that rare person in modern American politics who practices bipartisanship as well as preaching it. Progressive in her own beliefs, she sought a Republican cosponsor for every bill she introduced. Listening more than she lectured, she forged strong friendships with members who did not share her political views. Lois Capps has faith in the great American democratic experiment and is optimistic that our present acrimony will in time succumb to what Abraham Lincoln called ‘the better angels of our nature.'"

Lou Cannon | former White House correspondent for the Washington Post and author of "President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime"

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Foreword by Nancy Pelosi
Preface
1. Around the Table
2. From the Giants of the Earth
3. A Sense of Self
4. A Team for the Greater Good
5. The Role of Loss
6. We're All in This Together
7. Faith in Politics
8. Our Global Outreach
9. Day In, Day Out
10. The Fullness of Time

Product Info

  • Publisher Fortress Press
  • Format Hardcover
  • ISBN 9781506433745
  • eBook ISBN 9781506440330
  • Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
  • Pages 152
  • Publication Date September 1, 2018
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