Jan Brewer on Principles & Values

Add "competition" to copper; cattle; cotton; citrus; climate

That is the clear answer when I reflect upon what I have learned these past four years, and what has changed across the three decades since I first sat in this chamber. Today, Arizona must COMPETE for the most desirable jobs for our citizens--the finest teachers in our schools--the most talented students and faculty in our universities.

And each of our citizens must likewise compete to earn a living, build a future and raise a family in a safe and healthy environment. They face threats that once did not exist. And we at this capitol had better make sure we are helping them--not hurting them--in their efforts.

Being American means the freedom to create own destiny

Ran for local office when dissatisfied with her kids school

Brewer's first year in office had been defined in part by clunky speechmaking and infighting with her own Republican colleagues. In April 2010, her approval ratings were stuck in the low 40s--even lower than Obama's--and pundits had given her little chance of being elected in November.

Then S.B.1070 landed on her desk, and within weeks of signing it Brewer had a 60% approval rating, a regular role on Fox News, and a group of conservatives pushing her to think about running for president in 2012.