The amount of money we spend on education is important, but not nearly as important as how the money is spent.

I ask you: turn a deaf ear to the special interests. Let politics stand down for a while. don't waste anytime thinking about future elections until we've done our jobs here.

The fight for reform comes down to a simple goal: giving our citizens the confidence that government serves the people first and the people only.

We must now view our problems as opportunities - historic opportunities to change the failed systems of the past and do what's right for our future.

In a time of tight budgets, difficult choices have to be made. We must make sure our very limited resources are spent on priorities. I believe we should have no higher priority than investing in our children's classrooms and in their future.

The amount of money we spend on education is important, but not nearly as important as how the money is spent.

Half a world away nations that once lived under oppression and tyranny are now budding democracies due in large part to America 's leadership and the sacrifices of our military.