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.

I haven't been in politics too long so that's a good thing.

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.

I don't have a particular go-to political blog.

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.