While our economy - both nationally and in Washington state - has faced challenges in the last two years, it is clear that technology has and will continue to play a significant role in driving economic growth. The ability to communicate rapidly, share information freely, conduct commerce electronically, and realize large gains in productivity are all hallmarks of both economic expansion and of the New Economy.

I've fought for policies to expand the New Economy and empower all Americans to succeed in it. I believe that public policy should promote the growth of e-commerce and include common sense protections for consumers and businesses engaging in on-line transactions.

I also recognize that we need a comprehensive investment effort - in our people and in research and development. Our laws and regulations must be modernized to promote innovation and the digital economy. And perhaps most importantly, we must allow our economy to grow and prosper by keeping the government efficient and our budgets balanced.

Locally, the South Puget Sound region has attracted many new high wage, high-tech jobs and I'm proud of my work with citizens, businesses and others aimed at demonstrating the advantages of doing business in our community. To this end, I've joined conferences in our area that bring together leaders in technology, education and community development to share ideas and craft strategies for educating our workforce, attracting new businesses and making the South Sound a center of technology.