Quotes of the Week

Unfortunately, SB1 Conference Committee Chairman Robert Duncan ultimately refused to allow language related to the ban of sanctuary cities into the final version of Senate Bill 1.

Gov. Rick Perry, shifting the blame for the Legislature's failure to pass the controversial "sanctuary cities" bill from the House, where it sank in committee, to the Senate, which refused a last-ditch play to attach it to another bill.

Combining school finance issues in SB 1 with sanctuary cities issues would have placed both of these important measures in jeopardy. My Senate colleagues on the SB 1 conference committee and members of the Senate Republican Caucus were clear about their desire to keep these two issues separate.

Duncan, back at him.

I would say it's masterful. I don't think I've seen a politician as artful as Perry.

Michael Williams, a former railroad commission who's now running for Congress, on the Gov. Rick Perry's ability to slip out of tight political spots.

I don't pretend to understand the House. I have enough challenges with running the Senate that I'm not going to get into the House business.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, on why the House delayed passing the Senate's version of sanctuary cities legislation.

The Senate wasn't its usual good partner. They were in an anxious mood — ironically, I suppose — to hurry to the airport.

Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, on why he shut out the Senate's messenger Tuesday to try to prevent them from quitting early.

I'm not only fed up with the TSA. I'm also fed up with phonies, especially phony politicians who take credit for legislation they seek to kill.

Freshman Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, on the frustrations of experience of his first legislative session, during a personal privilege speech after his anti-TSA groping measure died.

Clearly, Rick O'Donnell doesn't understand the Legislature's authority or responsibility and continues to reflect disrespect and suspicion, if not hatred, for UT.

Senate Higher Education Chairwoman Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, responding to the accusation that she has been “co-opted by University of Texas administrators.

All’s fair in love and war. The regents I was working for were trying to, frankly, make love… the other side wanted to make war.

Rick O’Donnell, a former adviser at the University of Texas System, on the controversy sparked by his hiring earlier this year.