In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA named him to the list of "Smartest Legislators," calling him "quick and sharp with his Irish wit from the Speaker's rostrum" and a "man of true wisdom."
In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA designated him among their list of most astute legislators, praising him as "expeditious and discerning with his Irish wit from the Speaker's podium" and a "person of profound understanding.