But I'm hopeful some of that will start to change. The public is more libertarian, the public is saying we want people who are going to be independent and not bow to leadership in either of the major parties.

If you're going to vote yes and change the law. You have to know what's in it. You can't depend on other people.

In the state of Michigan, where I served in the state Legislature, there was a lot of shuffling of money between one year and the other to balance the budget.

As a legislator, I saw how effective I could be by being transparent, posting and explaining all of my votes.

Those of us who are pro-life should demand more from Congress. While we waste time on stuff like this, genuine legislation to protect life is ignored.

To Brian Ellis, you owe my family and this community and apology for a disgusting and despicable smear campaign.

I follow a set of principles; I follow the Constitution. And that's what I base my votes on. Limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty.