We're not in that mind-set here. Bill is running for governor and he has a primary opponent in (Rep.) Gary Lindstrom. That's the first hurdle.

Struggle is the food from which change is made, and the best time to make the most of a struggle is when it's right in front of your face.

Now, I know that might sound a bit simplistic. But, too often we're led to believe that struggling is a bad thing, or that we struggle because we're doing something wrong.

I disagree. I look at struggle as an opportunity to grow. True struggle happens when you can sense what is not working for you and you're willing to take the appropriate action to correct the situation. Those who accomplish change are willing to engage the struggle.

Bill is striving for common ground reducing the number of unintended pregnancies, getting to a place where there are fewer and fewer and fewer abortions. One of the great things about campaigning is you get to define and redefine yourself, and that's what Bill Ritter is doing right now.

He doesn't really expect that he'll walk out of an event like his with 100 percent support. This is a big issue. The thing that's good about it is, it's a healthy, honest dialog.

Bill has amazingly thick skin and an amazing ability to focus on the long-term goal. He's not concerning himself with what anyone else is doing or not doing.

He's in it for the long haul regardless.