Government shutdowns are so stupid. From my perspective, somebody who's been in government, been in the military, worked with federal government workers in the State Department, in USAID and in the Department of Defense - you're hurting them.
I know how to work on a mission.
With regard to the more moderates, I have spent 20 years as a United States Marine. I'm a little more realistic when it comes to some of these foreign policy, defense policy issues, some of the things we do overseas. And so I really feel like I can connect to the more moderates.
With regard to women, I'm not running as a woman - 'Vote for me!' But the fact of the matter is we have a very low percentage of women in our Legislature in this country compared to other nations in the western world.
Part of that problem is women don't run. We don't run for office. It's not that people are overwhelmingly voting against us. We just don't step up to the plate. So we have to do a better job of recruiting women and getting women to step up.
Providing access to a public option for health insurance would allow all Americans the choice to buy a government insurance plan, much like I buy for my family as a military retiree.
Every Kentuckian deserves to be able to visit the doctor and get the treatment they need, and no one should have to choose between filling their prescriptions and paying their rent.
The ACA is far from perfect, but through Kynect and expanded Medicaid, it enabled more than 400,000 Kentuckians - especially those with pre-existing conditions - to get affordable health insurance for the first time.
When I left Kentucky at age 18 to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and lifted my right hand to swear the oath to defend our Constitution, I did so willingly.
Growing up in northern Kentucky, honesty, integrity and character were revered traits, and - with my family - I looked to the greatest generation of Americans who saved the world during World War II.
For my family and my neighbors, America stood for something real, something tangible. America, and therefore Americans, stood for freedom, family, truth and justice.
The selflessness and service of the veterans I have met and served with are the living embodiment of what America and American values mean to me.
In the Senate, I will put people before politics.
Like most Americans, I am tired of the partisan politics that keep our government from passing common-sense legislation to improve the lives of Americans.
Every Kentuckian, regardless of background, should have access to a job that pays a living wage.
I believe health care is a right, not a privilege, not something only the wealthiest 1 percent can afford it should have.
We deserve better than a win-at-all-costs mentality.
I don't think the government should be involved in a woman's right to choose what is happening to her body.
Part of the problem with politics is we don't have people who want to get in the fray because of guys like Sen. McConnell, who essentially invented negative campaigning.
My husband's a Republican.
