"Governors of both political parties face a stark choice between unpopular tax increases and drastic cuts in Medicaid, education, public safety and other essential services."

"The national debate on Social Security has been cheapened by demagoguery on all sides."

"It's hard to exaggerate the importance of preserving the financial integrity of Social Security."

"What passes for real debate in Washington often seems more like an echo chamber, with politicians talking at politicians."

"Uncollected sales taxes on Internet purchases cost the states more than $16 billion in 2001."

"Brick and mortar businesses - and the communities that depend on them - cannot continue to bear an unfair sales tax burden from which their on-line competitors are effectively exempt."

"This is a chance for me to listen and learn. There's no more important and rewarding part of my job."