People like Elizabeth Dole have given too much power to the special interests.

North Carolina is home to some of the largest financial institutions in the country, and a vibrant network of community banks. We're a banking state, and we're proud of that distinction. But we also understand that responsible financial regulation protects consumers and businesses.

I need to be looking at what's important in North Carolina, and you better believe that's what I will do.

The Small Business 'common app' would function much like the one that students complete to apply to multiple colleges and universities simultaneously. It would ensure that small businesses across the country can concentrate on growing and creating jobs - not wasting time, filling out mountains of repetitive paperwork.

For too long, Americans have fallen victim to financial abuses at the hands of predatory lenders that operate in the shadows.

The fabric of North Carolina and what makes our state so special is our families and our common desire for a brighter future for our children. No matter what your family looks like, we all want the same thing for our families - happiness, health, prosperity, a bright future for our children and grandchildren.

After much thought and prayer, I have come to my own personal conclusion that we shouldn't tell people who they can love or who they can marry.