For a Democrat, freshman Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has a remarkably moderate voting record. She’s strayed from the Democratic Party’s liberal base on many issues, including immigration, climate change, judges, and foreign policy. Tuesday morning, she delivered her maiden speech, which invoked the principles of common-sense governing and bipartisanship.

“Most new senators deliver their maiden speeches soon after being sworn in. I waited so that I could use these six months to demonstrate to Arizonans, in actions more than words, exactly how I intend to serve our state in the Senate,” Sinema said. After speaking of her commitment to bipartisan legislation in reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sinema concluded her speech by invoking the wisdom of a veteran who she called her “personal hero,” John McCain.