The America I know is great - not because government made it great but because ordinary citizens like me, like my father and like you are given the opportunity every day to do extraordinary things.

Regardless of the difficulties we may face individually, in our families, in our communities and in our nation, the old adage is still true - you can make excuses or you can make progress, but you cannot make both! The America I know doesn't make excuses.

So the America I came to know growing up was filled with all the excitement and possibilities found in living the American dream.

Difficult things aren't easy, but they're worth it.

The influence I would hope to have is to create an environment where we're not singling Americans out - that we are creating opportunities for all Americans. Not saying, 'I'm going to funnel money into your city so that you're completely dependent on government.

Hard work and education will take you farther than any government program can ever promise.

According to liberals, I'm not supposed to exist. I know that I am going to be a target for the Left. I have something to say to them: 'Game On.'