It's a free country. I wish it weren't.

I've learned over the years that identity has a whole lot less to do with location or other people's expectations than with your own sense of self and self-confidence.

Governor is the only office I've ever run for, and I did so in the first place because I felt that there was a contribution I could make right now in governing for the long term and by leading by values. I ran for a second term to finish the work we started. I'll finish this out and return to the private sector, which I enjoy and miss in some ways.

Don't tell me words don't matter.

I think that hope, that ability to envision, to imagine a better way, and then to apply yourself to it, is the way to climb out of a hole, is the way to build a better life, is the way to build a better community and a better country.

We have drained common sense out of our politics. The more we focus on tactics and games, the more good people check out and give up

I view the experiences that I have had - both the tough ones and the pleasant ones - as gifts.