KC Political Phrase Book: "I've been fighting for that for years."

Today's installment of the KC Political Phrase Book is a catch-all phrase. One powerful sentence let's the politician absolve him or herself of any responsibility or blame; seem completely informed on the subject; AND at the same time position him or herself to take credit for any positive outcomes. "I've been fighting for that for years!" Translation: 1. I knew about the problem but I couldn't get anyone else to see things my way because I have no consensus building skills. 2. This is the first I've heard of it but there's no way I'll admit my ignorance so I'll make it appear as if you are the one late to the game and I've been the champion of this cause all along. 3. This sounds like a fantastic opportunity for self-promotion so I'll position myself in such a way that if anything gets accomplished I can take credit for it. The third translation is perhaps the most powerful. Think of the possibilities! If you say you've been fighting for something and it actually happens, you get to attach yourself to the cause celeb. If you're good enough, you can even take credit. There's no end to the possibilities! Let's try it at home. Don't be afraid to get creative and insert your own verb to make the phrase more personal. "They just solved world hunger?" "I've been fighting for that for years!" "They just found a cure for juvenile diabetes?" "I've been researching that for years!" "The EPA just handed down a judgement that we have to fix our sewer system?" "I've been working on that for years!" What fun! Stay tuned for our next installment, "I was asked to run." Don't be shy about sending in your favorite phrase for translation. I've been working on these for years! ;-)