California will not wait for our federal government to take strong action on global warming. We won't wait for the federal government. We will move forward because we know it's the right thing to do. We will lead on this issue and we will get other western states involved. I think there's not great leadership from the federal government when it comes to protecting the environment.

I didn't mind basic training. It taught me that something that seems impossible at the start can be achieved.

No matter what you do, you first have to have a vision... to see your goal, to believe in it, have faith in it and chase it. And then it's fun to chase it. If you don't have a goal or a vision, then you have nothing.

The more knowledge you have, the more you're free to rely on your instincts.

I think one thing that is extremely important is to connect with people in order to be successful and bring the people in so that they become your partners.

Self-confidence is something caught and not taught. And, risk-running and chance-taking are the only ways to catch it.

Everything that I've accomplished in life was because of America and because of California, so I should take seven years out of my life to be a public servant and to serve the people of California regardless of the lack of pay.