"I will vigorously defend my integrity and reputation against any suggestion of wrongdoing and fight the allegations that have been made against me. Three years ago, I made the decision to enter the world of politics for the first time, because as a mother, state school board member, and small business owner, I saw a need in our state's public education system for leadership focused on improving opportunities for Oklahoma's children. I knew it wouldn't be easy. At the onset of my campaign, I made a commitment to myself and my supporters that as a candidate and public servant, I would reflect certain values, including transparency, trustworthiness and above all, integrity. I am confident that my actions throughout my campaign more than two years ago were consistent with these values and in compliance with the law. Today, I ask of my team at the State Department of Education – including our board, the Oklahoma education community, those who supported my campaign, Oklahomans, and my family and friends to believe in me and to know that the person they've seen work so effectively, and with the highest standards, to make education better, is also someone who would never jeopardize their trust. So I will fight these charges, but I will not be distracted. The state of Oklahoma, our parents and children, deserve my continued focus, and they will have it. We have accomplished so much in 20 short months, and there is much more to be done. I look forward to continuing to work on improving the educational opportunities for Oklahoma's schoolchildren now and for many years to come."