Pam Keith in 2016 FL Senate race

On Civil Rights: Racists are sad aberrations, but they still exist

A: From 0-6, I didn't even know I was "black." I was just an American and a girl. I was introduced to race as an issue when "Roots" came on TV. It was very traumatic for me to learn that I descended from people who were so profoundly abused, because I wanted to go back in time and stop slavery and get justice. I didn't relate any of that to my own existence until I moved to Kentucky when my Mom got a scholarship to attend UK. Racism was alive and real, and palpable. By then, I had developed a habit of accepting people and expecting them to be basically good. So I considered the mean folks in Kentucky to be sad aberrations, people who were just ignorant and unhappy. I didn't really focus on race issues again until I was a teenager in a racially mixed school, and chose to embrace African American culture. That choice was central to me feeling good about myself and who I am, without sacrificing my love and acceptance of others.

On Foreign Policy: Don't live by fear; we're the most bad-ass nation

A: Fear. Fear of the future. Fear of each other. Fear of losing what we have. Fear of change. We are becoming paralyzed by fear and unwilling to challenge the status quo. We have big problems but we can conquer them. We are the most bad-ass nation on this planet. There is nothing that we cannot do when we choose to embrace each other and work together, when we boldly proclaim that we will do what it takes to move our country forward. My campaign is about fearlessness, and embracing our challenges. It's what separates me from the others and what is getting crowds everywhere to believe in me and my vision.

On Foreign Policy: Born in Turkey; lived outside US for 9 years

A: I lived outside of the U.S. from 0-6, 11-13 and while I served in the Navy for a year and a half.

Q: What impact have your parents had on your life?

A: My Dad emphasized hard work, responsibility, sacrifice and service to others. My Mom emphasized compassion, creativity, self-confidence and humor. They both taught me to respect myself and to be fearless in my pursuit of my dreams.

On Homeland Security: My military service exposed me to issues that we face

"I have spent a lifetime being exposed to, educating myself to the issues that we face," Keith said, citing her law record, her military service and policy talks she held with her now-retired father. "I know what our military needs, what our veterans need. I have a lot of good ideas."