Quotes of the Week

I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead, but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership. Today I am announcing I will not seek re-election as governor of Texas.

Gov. Rick Perry, announcing his "exciting future plans"

My gut says he is going to make another [presidential] run.

Ray Sullivan, a former Perry chief of staff who was at the governor's announcement this week, to the Austin American-Statesman

Thanks for your long-term leadership. Always good to go out on top. That said, at 85, I’m not big on going out at all.

T. Boone Pickens, tweeting after Perry's announcement

Don’t get me wrong. I have always wanted Wendy to be my governor. But I don’t want everyone to get carried away with the events of the day without the mathematics having changed.

Texas Democrat and Wendy Davis patron Amber Mostyn, in The New Republic

This idea that there’s a divine right of succession, I challenge it and thoroughly.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Pauken on anointing Attorney General Greg Abbott the front-runner to replace Perry

There have been efforts to turn Texas blue — over my dead political body.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in a radio interview with Laura Ingraham

It's better to be safe than sorry. It's an emotional issue. Tensions are high inside and the temperature is high outside. All you need is one knucklehead to stir things up.

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, quoted by the Associated Press on the doubling of security after abortion protests at the Capitol