One thing I learned a long time ago as a prosecutor is that it's tough to get people to obey a law if there is not penalty for breaking it

As the leaders and decision-makers of this great state, it is our responsibility to strive for perfection.

The First Amendment rejects red tape, cover-up and double-speak.

But the fact is, no matter how good the teacher, how small the class, how focused on quality education the school may be none of this matters if we ignore the individual needs of our students.

And this week, I am proposing legislation to strengthen our Open Records laws to make public access to our public records surer, faster, and more comprehensive.

There is no country on earth with a stronger tradition of protecting the public's right to know.

The law should be a shield for the weak and powerless, not a club for the