I'm a strong supporter of states' rights to do what they need.

I was elected to solve problems, and I don't think it's conservative to have bad roads; I don't think it's conservative to have bad schools. I don't think it's conservative to have to go through budget crises every two years. So I'm taking the difficult issues straight on. That's what I was elected to do.

Good executives, like all good leaders, must expect opposition when making decisions or when making or enforcing the law. But executives must engage those that disagree with them.

As a former federal judge, I am cognizant of the legal issues. As governor, I am forced to deal with their ramifications.

Nevada is a little different than most states. We only meet every other year in the legislature. So it's very important to have good relationships on both sides of the aisle... I have to have those relationships.

Nevadans, and all Americans, are resilient. Overcoming adversity is a part of our national heritage.

Fiscally, I'm very conservative... others say that I'm socially moderate. As a former judge, I listen to all the facts, and I make a decision as to what I believe is in the best interest of the state.

I've made a commitment that any tax increase, I'm going to veto. It's the worst thing we could do. We have an amount of money to spend. That's it.

It's no accident that the fastest growing states with the best economies are all led by Republican governors.

Fiscally I'm very conservative... others say that I'm socially moderate.