What happened on September 11 compels us to focus on who we are as Americans, what we stand for, what really matters in our lives - family, friends, faith and freedom.

Many have left their families to defend our freedom. We salute their bravery; we express our appreciation and support to their families. And we pray for their safe return.

We all share a common goal - we want our children to succeed.

Ohioans are practical. We're a can-do people. Give us a problem, we'll give you a solution.

If we are to create tomorrow's jobs, we can't remain frozen in time in yesterday's tax system.

In this global economy, no jobs are safe. High-speed Internet connections and low-cost, skilled labor overseas are an explosive combination.

Whether we knew many who died on September 11 or personally knew none, we all lost something on that day. Innocence. Security. A trust that our homeland would always be safe.