I've had just an amazing opportunity to serve with Gov. Branstad. Not all lieutenant governors have the opportunity to be as involved in the administration as I have had.

My journey started in the courthouse and went to the statehouse.

The amount of start-ups that are being generated from Israel, and it's such a small state, they're looking for markets to really take those businesses in scale. We really, I think, have done a good job of indicating how Iowa is a good place for that.

If we do that - if we bring prosperity to every corner - then Iowa will remain the best state in the nation.

In a small town, everyone works together and does life together, and because of that everyone takes care of each other. That's Iowa. Whether it's Des Moines or Sioux Center, Decorah or Davenport, Iowans exhibit those small-town values. They work hard, but not so much for themselves. They're ambitious, but not at the expense of others.

I believe that Iowa is - and ought to be - a place where, if you're willing to work for it, you can make your dreams come true.

My vision is to give the people of Iowa a place to call home that unleashes opportunity at every turn.

Farmers in Iowa know that I've been out there, and manufacturers, fighting for them every single day.

What a country and state we live in where a small-town girl from rural Iowa can become governor and have the opportunity to serve Iowans at the highest level.

I won't stop until every Iowan has an opportunity to succeed.

I just believe that we should never stop fighting on behalf of the unborn and that's what we're going to do.

We have to do everything we can to help students and adult learners to prepare for the careers of today as well as the careers of tomorrow.

I've raised my children to respect that flag, to stand, to put their hand across their heart and to recognize those sacrifices that have been made and I believe they're raising their children with that same belief.

There are few things as powerful as the joy of someone who got a second chance and found their purpose.

We're going to continue to look for ways that we can make our state competitive.

Who's going to be against making sure students have the education for a knowledge economy?

Who's going to be against getting workers the skills they need to be successful?

The harder you work the luckier you get.

I make it clear when asked where I stand on specific issues, and I'll continue to do that.

I'm the No. 1 cheerleader for the state of Iowa.

Technology is impacting everything we do on a daily basis.

I am a firm believer that you can make a mistake but that shouldn't define you. Everybody deserves a second chance.

I just hope by how I live my life every day that people can see there is another side to addiction. You can live with it and have a successful life.

Every day is an opportunity for me to learn - that's how I've approached life.