It's hard to exaggerate the importance of preserving the financial integrity of Social Security.

The national debate on Social Security has been cheapened by demagoguery on all sides.

This is a chance for me to listen and learn. There's no more important and rewarding part of my job.

Uncollected sales taxes on Internet purchases cost the states more than $16 billion in 2001.

What passes for real debate in Washington often seems more like an echo chamber, with politicians talking at politicians.

Brick and mortar businesses - and the communities that depend on them - cannot continue to bear an unfair sales tax burden from which their on-line competitors are effectively exempt.

Governors of both political parties face a stark choice between unpopular tax increases and drastic cuts in Medicaid, education, public safety and other essential services.