movement. through the faith and politics institute he traveled with more than 300 politicians over the years. >> we were going to the lunch counters, when we were marching -- >> i think he's one of the few people in congress that can bring people from many different parties together and say let's spend three days wrestling with the past. only john could do that. >> lewis built on the relationships to support his chosen projects. >> he tries to use the influence that he has, the respect that he commands to advance the causes that he thinks are important. and that i think are really all about fairness, justice and equality. >> and no cause was more important to him than voting rights. >> i happen to believe that the vote is precious. it is almost sacred. it is the most powerful non violent instrument or tool that we have in a democratic society. >> there is the history there with him. in terms of ensuring that '65 voting rights act becomes law. and then in his later life, protect it, the gains that were