It is through states that the American people get the job done every day often in spite of a deeply flawed bureaucratic federal government.

Americans want government that is leaner more efficient and less intrusive into their personal lives.

President Obama's call for nearly a half-trillion dollars in more government stimulus when America has more than $14 trillion in debt is guided by his mistaken belief that we can spend our way to prosperity.

This administration in Washington that's in power now clearly believes that government is not only the answer to every need but it's the most qualified to make the most central decisions for every American in every area.

It is unfortunate that Americans are no longer aware of what the constitution says and what their rights are. Because of that we are often very passive about what happens when the government violates those rights.

Every American regardless of their background has the right to live free of unwarranted government intrusion. Repealing the worst provisions of the Patriot Act will reign in this gross abuse of power and restore to everyone our basic Constitutional rights.

I am often asked if when I was secretary I had problems with foreign men. That is not who I had problems with because I arrived in a very large plane that said United States of America. I had more problems with the men in our own government.

America's greatness is not found in the size of its government. America's greatness resides in the hearts and the minds of the people.

I pinch myself because of the understanding that I've been blessed with a real rare opportunity that few Americans ever get - to serve their government and their people at this level.

Americans chose a limited government that exists to protect our rights not to grant them.