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.

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.

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

Let's go tell everyone we meet that, when the American dream is at stake, you want Barack Obama in charge.

It's time for democrats to grow a backbone and stand up for what we believe.

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 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.