U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, Alabama’s 2nd District, told a Republican luncheon audience that many politicians are more interested in keeping their jobs than doing their jobs.

Then, Roby went about “doing” her job.

Tuesday afternoon, Roby made a stop at the Banks Buy-Rite in the usually sleepy Banks community in rural Pike County. But the popular one-stop convenience store was a-buzz with activity in anticipation of Roby’s visit.

“Rep. Roby has been here before and we always enjoy having her,” said Al Roton, who owns and operates the Banks Buy-Rite. “She’s a popular politician around here and a lot of people are here just to see her.” Most all chairs around the coffee table were taken and all the leaning room was taken at the drink boxes. Much of the standing room was occupied and Roten acknowledge the “good crowd” that included Banks Mayor Lisa Culpepper.

“We know Martha Roby. She’s been here before and we appreciate her,” Culpepper said. “She’s been a big help to us. She’s helped with our roads and our volunteer fire department – with grants that we needed.  Anything we’ve needed her for she’s been there. We thank her for taking time to come to a small community like Banks.”

If Roby was in a hurry to get back on the road home before taking a red-eye flight back to Washington, it didn’t show.

She took time to speak with all of those who gathered throughout the Buy-Rite and even offered a willing ear to those who posed questions. “I just wanted to talk to her about something and she took time to listen,” Charlie Lassett said and added that Roby has his vote.

Ben Andress is a Roby supporter.

“It’s a great thing for Banks that she would take time to come out here,” he said. “She takes time to meet people and talk to them. She talks to you like you’re somebody. I like that about her and she works hard for us. That’s why I’m here to today.”