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

I understand people, and I think that my life and my history and what I represent can relate to a lot of the women, the independents, the moderate voters.

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.

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.

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

The government is not your salvation. The government is not your road to prosperity. Hard work, education will take you far beyond what any government program can ever promise.

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