Background: University official; judicial clerk; attorney.

Why I got into public service: I am a "first generation" American who has benefited from the hard work and values of my parents and their parents. My parents were children when they first saw the shores of America. They made a wonderful life for our family and gave me a world of opportunity. They were always very clear that the path to opportunity demands responsibility-- to your family and your community.

Guiding Value: Optimism. I have tremendous faith in our potential to create a better world for all people. As long as we support creative thinking, value ideas we dont always agree with, and have the courage to make unpopular decisions when we believe it is in our countrys best interest, our best days are ahead of us.

#1 Rule of Politics: Good government is the best politics.

First Job: Delivered newspapers for the Kokomo Tribune.