Lobby pays. They follow rules. Everybody knows up front. And we even post it, so we are all in compliance.

Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, on the $22,241.03 end-of-session dinner for his calendars committee

I feel like I have a right to protect my business interests. Part of my job for my clients, which are the associations and their members, is to come down here and try to stand in the way of legislation, some of which is rather impulsive.

Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, on mixing legislating and personal business

My relationship with Texas Right to Life has been strained, and it’s directly related to Elizabeth Graham and her style of politics. She concocts stories out of things that are not real, publishes them and then tries to get people to donate to her cause by creating a false crisis.

Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, on an obstacle to an end-of-life bill 

I personally don’t think it’s fair to the people, but this is her decision to make.

Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, after Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, began systematically killing Huffman's bills in the House

Let me be clear: I don't trust the Republicans. … It is leadership in both parties that has gotten us in this mess.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz during floor debate on the Senate budget

They are going to have to expand the cafeteria.

Former Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff on the proliferation of lobbyists in Austin, in Texas Monthly