There could not be a more stark contrast between Wisconsin and Illinois.

Washington, or as I like to call it, 68 square miles surrounded by reality.

We are the ones looking out for the middle class. Who do think pays for the endless expansion of government? Its middle class taxpayers. Our reforms protect middle class taxpayers.

Governors should be defined not just by what they do and say, but who they surround themselves with.

You have phantom income each year. No money is being put in your pocket, but you have to take some money out of your pocket to pay Uncle Sam because the tax is paid based on accretion.

The people who are making you feel under attack is your union leadership, and they're doing it for politically intense reasons.

I believe that smaller government is better government. But I also believe that in the areas where government does play a legitimate role, we should demand that it is done better.