Background: I was first elected when I was 18 years old, so public service consumes my entire brief career in the workplace.

Why I got into public service: Because it is rewarding, and is the most direct and tangible way to positively improve peoples lives. Everyday you have to focus on improving people's lives-- that mission provides a thirst for creativity and innovation that many other types of work do not.

Top Issue: Growing our economy. I believe that a strong economy is a healthy remedy for many social and environmental problems. Furthermore, developing our economy helps provide opportunity for the middle class and affords all of us some ownership of the American Dream.

#1 Rule of Politics: Listen more, talk less.

First Job: Dishwasher.