When we create hope and opportunity in the lives of others, we allow love, decency and promise to triumph over cowardice and hate.

I had an amazing advantage: a grandmother [Polly Noonan, an influential confidante of the mayor of Albany] who loved politics. She taught me not to listen to negative press or people. I grew up knowing politics was rough-and-tumble.

I believe transparency in government is key to restoring our nations faith in its elected leaders.

[Hillary Clinton] was trying to encourage us to become more active in politics and she said, 'If you leave all the decision-making to others, you might not like what they do, and you will have no one but yourself to blame.' It was such a challenge to the women in the room. And it really hit me: She's talking to me.

As a lawyer you never speak with emotion. It's about the precise facts.

Without your voice being heard in Washington, the decisions we make aren't as good. I would urge women to consider public service. And if you want to run, give me a call. I'll help.

There is no greater call to service than that of our brave men and women who serve our country in combat across the globe.