--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Spending more time with my colleagues…" description: "\"Spending more time with my colleagues outside the Capitol helps build bipartisan relationships.\" — Erik Paulsen" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47c/erik-paulsen-30333_bipartisan_spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-ou_2695577.jpg" --- # Spending more time with my colleagues outside the Capitol… ![“Spending more time with my colleagues outside the Capitol helps build bipartisan relationships.” quote by Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47c/erik-paulsen-30333_bipartisan_spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-ou_2695577.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47c/erik-paulsen-30333_bipartisan_spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-ou_2695577.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47c/erik-paulsen-30333_bipartisan_spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-ou_2695577.jpg) > “Spending more time with my colleagues outside the Capitol helps build bipartisan relationships.” [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Informal gatherings outside formal settings foster personal bonds that can ease partisan tension **In simple terms:** Casual interaction builds bipartisan trust Key Takeaway Encourage off‑site meetings with colleagues Themes relationship building politics collaboration Mood reflective optimistic Type political social When to use this quote - Team retreats - policy workshops - bipartisan dinners Key Concepts Social capital trust formation Questions to Reflect On - What topics thrive in casual settings? - How to maintain momentum after informal meetings? A Different Perspective Informal settings may not translate to policy agreement ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bipartisan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bipartisan/) [Colleagues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/colleagues/) [Relationships](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/relationships/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [As much as we may have to battle against a Trump presidency, there's still good relationships within the Senate, bipartisan relationships where we can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kaine/as-much-as-we-may-have-to-battle-against-a-trump-presidency-there-s/) [Tim Kaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kaine/) > [One of the ways usually that you build a bipartisan agreement is one side gives up a little, and the other side gives up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dickerson/one-of-the-ways-usually-that-you-build-a-bipartisan-agreement-is-one/) [John Dickerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dickerson/) > [Nothing happens here in this building, in the House of Representatives, if there's no demand from outside the Capitol.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luis-gutierrez/nothing-happens-here-in-this-building-in-the-house-of-representatives/) [Luis Gutierrez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luis-gutierrez/) > [Obviously, every dictator pays a great deal of attention to who is running the army. There's always a base right outside the capitol to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elliott-abrams/obviously-every-dictator-pays-a-great-deal-of-attention-to-who-is/) [Elliott Abrams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elliott-abrams/) > [The medical device tax repeal is the only proposal that had the most bipartisan votes coming out of the House and has the opportunity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/the-medical-device-tax-repeal-is-the-only-proposal-that-had-the-most/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [I'll have the chance to do a production number on A Capitol Fourth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-bostwick/i-ll-have-the-chance-to-do-a-production-number-on-a-capitol-fourth/) [Barry Bostwick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-bostwick/) > [According to a Public Policy Polling survey, most Americans find lice and colonoscopies more appealing than Capitol Hill.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-fournier/according-to-a-public-policy-polling-survey-most-americans-find-lice/) [Ron Fournier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-fournier/) > [“However much President Snow may hate me, this Capitol audience is mine.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/however-much-president-snow-may-hate-me-this-capitol-audience-is-mine/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway. In the summer because of the heat and high…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-reid/my-staff-tells-me-not-to-say-this-but-i-m-going-to-say-it-anyway-in/) [Harry Reid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-reid/) > [Every Democrat on Capitol Hill professes to be a fiscal hawk.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-beauprez/every-democrat-on-capitol-hill-professes-to-be-a-fiscal-hawk/) [Bob Beauprez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-beauprez/) > [The richly cadenced prose is hypnotic, the research prodigious, the analysis acute, the mood spellbinding, and the cast of characters mythic in scale. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-chernow/the-richly-cadenced-prose-is-hypnotic-the-research-prodigious-the/) [Ron Chernow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-chernow/) > [If you look at the architecture of Washington, D.C., it is not by mistake that the dome over the Capitol is the very center…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cathy-mcmorris-rodgers/if-you-look-at-the-architecture-of-washington-d-c-it-is-not-by/) [Cathy McMorris Rodgers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cathy-mcmorris-rodgers/) > [Climbing has worked for me in a number of ways on Capitol Hill. I'm much more inclined to look at what people do, as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-udall/climbing-has-worked-for-me-in-a-number-of-ways-on-capitol-hill-i-m/) [Mark Udall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-udall/) > [South Carolina, as a matter of compromise, displays the Confederate flag on a flagpole in front of the state capitol. Because I grew up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-edwards/south-carolina-as-a-matter-of-compromise-displays-the-confederate/) [John Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-edwards/) > [“But the significant difference between Thirteen and the Capitol are the expectations of the populace. Thirteen was used to hardship, wheras in the Capitol,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/but-the-significant-difference-between-thirteen-and-the-capitol-are/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) ## More by Erik Paulsen > [There is no question we need an energy policy overhaul in America. A key part of that overhaul must include moving forward aggressively with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/there-is-no-question-we-need-an-energy-policy-overhaul-in-america-a/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [Since I joined Congress, I've been shocked at how many times we were forced to vote on 1,000-plus-page bills without ample time to read…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/since-i-joined-congress-i-ve-been-shocked-at-how-many-times-we-were/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [Any law can be changed, obviously, at any time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/any-law-can-be-changed-obviously-at-any-time/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [As Congress debates overhauling the nation's health care system, it should not authorize a reform plan that would further our financial woes. We must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/as-congress-debates-overhauling-the-nation-s-health-care-system-it/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [Minnesotans are ticket splitters. They look to the candidate, not the party, which is the way it should be, and that's only going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/minnesotans-are-ticket-splitters-they-look-to-the-candidate-not-the/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [The medical device tax repeal is the only proposal that had the most bipartisan votes coming out of the House and has the opportunity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/the-medical-device-tax-repeal-is-the-only-proposal-that-had-the-most/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [Our democracy is predicated on the belief that our government should be accessible by the people. We cannot allow ourselves to give in to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/our-democracy-is-predicated-on-the-belief-that-our-government-should/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [The bottom line is we need a tax code that is more simpler, that is more fairer, that gets rid of the special carve-outs,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/the-bottom-line-is-we-need-a-tax-code-that-is-more-simpler-that-is/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [College campuses are a focus of prevention efforts for meningococcal disease because of the increased incidence of the disease during adolescence and young adulthood,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/college-campuses-are-a-focus-of-prevention-efforts-for-meningococcal/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [I'm not a supporter of ObamaCare. I voted to repeal it, to defund it, et cetera. But we do need to move on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/i-m-not-a-supporter-of-obamacare-i-voted-to-repeal-it-to-defund-it-et/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [I've criticized Republicans for their lack of fiscal discipline when they controlled Congress before 2007. However, that is no excuse to just continue with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/i-ve-criticized-republicans-for-their-lack-of-fiscal-discipline-when/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [We need a tax code that promotes savings, investment, achievement, innovation, and hard work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/we-need-a-tax-code-that-promotes-savings-investment-achievement/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [I just want to listen and build relationships with as many of my colleagues as possible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/i-just-want-to-listen-and-build-relationships-with-as-many-of-my/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [After thinking carefully about how I can best help my fellow Minnesotans, I have decided to not seek election for a different office in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/after-thinking-carefully-about-how-i-can-best-help-my-fellow/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) > [Thats been hard being away from the family, because Washington can be lonely. When you tune out of all the activity, thats like, youre…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/thats-been-hard-being-away-from-the-family-because-washington-can-be/) [Erik Paulsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) [Explore all 17 Erik Paulsen quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/) ## More Bipartisan quotes > [When you hang the 'bipartisan' tag on something, the perception is that differences have been worked out, and there's a broad agreement that that's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-mcconnell/when-you-hang-the-bipartisan-tag-on-something-the-perception-is-that/) [Mitch McConnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-mcconnell/) > [It's encouraging to watch bipartisan leaders from different states recognize the need for fair and rational legislation focused on creating second chances for those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-g-rubin/it-s-encouraging-to-watch-bipartisan-leaders-from-different-states/) [Michael G. Rubin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-g-rubin/) > [What we need is a bipartisan commitment to improving the laws on the books, to lower premiums, to improve access and improve quality of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-ossoff/what-we-need-is-a-bipartisan-commitment-to-improving-the-laws-on-the/) [Jon Ossoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-ossoff/) > [We will build a Navy of 350 surface ships and submarines, as recommended by the bipartisan National Defense Panel. We right now only have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/we-will-build-a-navy-of-350-surface-ships-and-submarines-as/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [It's not just about talking. It's about - can you actually achieve objectives? I was very proud of what we were able to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-faulconer/it-s-not-just-about-talking-it-s-about-can-you-actually-achieve/) [Kevin Faulconer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-faulconer/) > [I have also come to understand Congress' need for a bipartisan as well as a partisan capacity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-price/i-have-also-come-to-understand-congress-need-for-a-bipartisan-as-well/) [David Price](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-price/) > [When Americans are worried about losing their jobs, their savings, their homes and their chance at the American Dream, Congress and the president must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-pelosi/when-americans-are-worried-about-losing-their-jobs-their-savings/) [Nancy Pelosi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-pelosi/) > [Mr. Speaker, for the last 5 years I have been working with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to make it illegal to continue…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/earl-blumenauer/mr-speaker-for-the-last-5-years-i-have-been-working-with-a-bipartisan/) [Earl Blumenauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/earl-blumenauer/) > [I welcome the Democrats' ideas on Social Security. I think it is very important to make a bipartisan reform.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-kingston/i-welcome-the-democrats-ideas-on-social-security-i-think-it-is-very/) [Jack Kingston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-kingston/) > [I am long term optimistic and short term pessimistic on immigration. Long term, I'm optimistic because there's a lotta bipartisan agreement outside of Washington…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-cruz/i-am-long-term-optimistic-and-short-term-pessimistic-on-immigration/) [Ted Cruz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-cruz/) > [I am now more sure than ever that we're going to have a bipartisan bill ... making incredible progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-diaz-balart/i-am-now-more-sure-than-ever-that-we-re-going-to-have-a-bipartisan/) [Mario Diaz-Balart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-diaz-balart/) > [Yesterday I, along with a bipartisan Congressional Delegation of lawmakers, inspected the detention facilities at Guantanamo used to house individuals detained in the War…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-ryun/yesterday-i-along-with-a-bipartisan-congressional-delegation-of/) [Jim Ryun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-ryun/) > [We have neglected our aerospace program, and I am detecting a lot of bipartisan support to continue that mission.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luther-strange/we-have-neglected-our-aerospace-program-and-i-am-detecting-a-lot-of/) [Luther Strange](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luther-strange/) > [“Pick a leader who will keep jobs in your country by offering companies incentives to hire only within their borders, not one who allows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzy-kassem/pick-a-leader-who-will-keep-jobs-in-your-country-by-offering/) [Suzy Kassem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzy-kassem/) > [I think you'll find that these are measures that have great bipartisan support, and so I expect, not only did we do well in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rand-paul/i-think-you-ll-find-that-these-are-measures-that-have-great/) [Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rand-paul/) [Browse all 300 Bipartisan quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bipartisan/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Spending more time with my colleagues outside the Capitol helps build bipartisan relationships.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Erik Paulsen" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-outside-the-capitol-helps-build/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bipartisan" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-outside-the-capitol-helps-build/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47c/erik-paulsen-30333_bipartisan_spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-ou_2695577.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47c/erik-paulsen-30333_bipartisan_spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-ou_2695577.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47c/erik-paulsen-30333_bipartisan_spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-ou_2695577.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Spending more time with my colleagues outside the Capitol helps build bipartisan relationships.” — Erik Paulsen", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Erik Paulsen", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-paulsen/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Spending more time with my colleagues...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-outside-the-capitol-helps-build/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-paulsen/spending-more-time-with-my-colleagues-outside-the-capitol-helps-build/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```