I was born to a single mom and raised by her and my grandparents.

I think public service is a calling and you do it as long as the things that brought you into the office can continue getting you up in the morning and as long as there's still work to get done.

I aspire to be useful.

No one respects the First Amendment more than I do. People have a right to express their concerns and their hopes and dreams to their government.

Even one heatstroke death is one too many because every death caused by leaving a child unattended in a hot car is 100 percent avoidable.

Not every innovation in transportation is going to come from government or even a large enterprise. There are smart people out there with tools and skills to come up with great ideas.

Whether you live in a city or a small town, and whether you drive a car, take the bus or ride a train, at some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian.

Violence of the tongue is very real- sharper than any knife.

This is a time in my life where I'm gonna behave like an elegant human being. Or not.

I do not so easily think in words.... after being hard at work having arrived at results that are perfectly clear... I have to translate my thoughts in a language that does not run evenly with them.

In places this book is a little over-written, because Mr Blunden is no more able to resist a quotation than some people are to refuse a drink.

I like to write about certain things that if they are not written about are not going to exist.

The final weapon is the brain, all else is supplemental.

I knew one hundred little things about Noah Shaw but when he kissed me I couldn't remember my own name.

I don't know why the players make such a big fuss about sitting in the first class section of the plane. Does that mean they'll get there faster?

Don't be deceived into thinking that by changing the external, the internal will be changed. It works the other way around; the path that needs changing is the one in your mind.

The more likable he is, the more deadly he is.” -Katniss Everdeen