Background: State auditor.

Why I got into public service: I saw public service as the chance to make government work smarter and harder on behalf of the taxpayers who foot the bill. And I still do. Where old-style government often weds us to the past, I've seen elected office as my chance to find new answers and pursue policies that move our state forward, empower our citizens to get ahead, and transform that image of government.

Top Issue: Education. We know good schools are the best assurance of a sound economy. I've seen firsthand during my time as attorney general that they are also the best crime-fighting program you can have. The best investment any state can make is in the future of its children.

#1 Rule of Politics: In any situation, make sure you know what the right path is. Then take it.

First Job: Working at The Woodford Sun, the small newspaper started by my grandfather and still run by my family in Versailles, Ky.