I work with folks from across the entire state, from the San Luis Valley to the Western Slope, the Eastern Plains, and all along the Front Range. That's part of why I've been so successful in building diverse, bipartisan coalitions to pass laws that benefit all of Colorado.

A few years ago I earned a Master's of Divinity degree from Harvard. It's one of the most religiously diverse schools in the country, with people of all faiths and none. My time there helped me further develop the ability to bring diverse groups of people together around shared values-whatever the source of those values.

We have so much in common as Coloradans that when we set aside specific policy proposals, and instead look at what fundamental values are at stake, we can often find a unique Colorado solution that moves our state forward.

While earning my master's degree I met my wife, AnnMarie. She noticed my cowboy boots from across the room, came over and said, "Nice boots." Feeling out of place and thinking she had just insulted me, I shot back, "Look, I'm from Colorado, so I can wear cowboy boots." Without missing a beat, AnnMarie replied, "Yeah, I'm from Colorado too, and I like your boots."