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I spent the better part of my developing years in Massachusetts.

I really enjoyed my time in state government. I thought we made a difference. I liked being a part of that effort. I had a different experience in Washington.

I came to politics later in life so I bring a different life experience to it.

I had no intention of getting back into politics. I was teaching at Bowdoin and happily retired from politics.

I started out mopping floors, waiting tables, and tending bar at my dad's tavern. I put myself through school working odd jobs and night shifts. I poured my heart and soul into a small business. And when I saw how out-of-touch Washington had become with the core values of this great nation, I put my name forward and ran for office.

Working in Washington, trying to make a difference, that was a very meaningful time for me, a period of personal growth.

I'm not sure I had a political career for the future anyway. I'm not sure that politics was what I wanted to spend my life doing.

I thought I could make a difference, so I ran for office.

The beginning of my political career was not promising. I ran for junior class president at Shortridge High school and was runner up. I ran again in the senior year with the same result. But opportunity came ironically, or fortunately, when I returned to Indianapolis after serving in the Navy.

I've spent the better part of my career in politics and public policy working on and fighting for education reforms.