President Obama and our all-of-the-above energy strategy is the real deal. We are proud of the fact that we are importing less oil than at any time in modern history, and it has been because of the president’s vision and courage.

I’m proud that Colorado delivered a victory to Barack Obama in 2008 and we will do so again in 2012.

I don’t believe that the American dream should be reserved for those who are born into the elite or somehow have been given an advantage over others. My growing-up experience is probably the most important thing that guides my priorities and my work today.

Americans pay up to 1,000 percent more to fill their prescriptions than consumers in other countries – that is an alarming statistic.

While it is important to maintain a balanced approach to solving our nation’s energy problems, we must commit ourselves to recognize some areas as ‘off limits,’ and the Artic National Wildlife Reserve is a national symbol of that commitment.

I don’t think anyone can speculate what will happen with respect to oil prices and gas prices because they are set on the global economy.

Growing up in a very rural and remote area in Colorado’s San Luis Valley – one of the poorest counties in the United States – essentially created the framework of values from which I operate. I stand up for the little guy. I fight discrimination at all levels. I fight for an inclusive America.

For some in Washington, it’s become sport to pick on the federal workforce. I think they do so unjustly. The very foundation of a stable America is having a government that functions well. Many countries have dysfunctional governments, because they don’t have a good government workforce.

On the Native American front, we have turned a new page in the 400-year history of the interface between the American settlers of this country and the nation’s first Americans. That’s included a new relationship where the sovereignty of tribes is in fact recognized.

Too often in Washington special interests urge us to fight one another just because we belong to different parties. It is time for this to stop and for Washington to focus on what needs to be done.