I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.

President Barack Obama, on ABC News

There appears to be a plan to try to distract Americans from the thing they care most about, which is too many people out of work and the sad state of the economy, and the runaway and reckless spending going on here in Washington.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to Politico on the president's endorsement of gay marriage on Wednesday

Whether Senator Carona is the one who made up this lie, or is simply guilty of spreading it, it is equally offensive. And if it was true I'd like to think he would have called to see how I was doing, not to exploit it for some perceived gain on his part. I don't know how John will be able to look Jan in the eye the next time we are together at an event.

Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, in an email to members of the Senate rumors he alleged were being spread by Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas

Though I have heard rumors regarding your marital status and sexual preferences for a while now, at no time have I told anyone that you are either separated, divorced, or gay.

Carona, responding, in an email of his own

Anytime a Republican senator is busy making a fool of himself, my habit is not to interrupt him.

Democratic strategist Harold Cook quoted in the Houston Chronicle on the email spat

Because it is critical to defeat Barack Obama in November, Ted will enthusiastically support the Republican nominee.

Ted Cruz campaign manager John Drogin on whether Cruz would endorse Ron Paul, who voiced his support for Cruz at a Tea Party rally on Sunday