Power must be used, but it must be tempered by soul-searching and the recognition of our human capacity for error. That is the maxim that should inform our approach to every challenge, from reforming state government to engaging in foreign affairs.

The public expects and deserves the protection that effective government oversight provides. Until the Bush administration shows it is willing to do the job, however, it appears the public will have to rely on state regulators and lawmakers to protect its interests,

The state was made for man, not man for state.

To restore and keep the public's confidence in the integrity of their government, state government and its officials must be open, honest and transparent.

State universities in Illinois are a microcosm of our state government - broken with work rules and administrative bureaucracy.

I cannot allow state government to continue to be consumed by this game of political 'gotcha.'