The Legislature is tough on crime and potential criminal defendants, except when it's them.

Fred Lewis of Austin, on reforming state ethics laws

I’m your Hispanic Margaret Thatcher. Half Eva Perón and a little touch of Madonna.

Republican Miriam Martinez, who plans to run for governor in 2014, in the McAllen Monitor

I've got a lot of energy. I'm really excited about this. This is a seminal moment in the state of Texas. I want to be a part of it… I'm planning on running for reelection.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, on his future plans, at TribLive

Obviously I was disappointed but will happily run again on the issues that I know are of concern to the district that I represent.

Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on drawing a two-year term

We danced a jig.

Steve Munisteri, chairman of the Texas Republican Party, to the Star-Telegram on learning that Sen. Davis had drawn a two-year term

I felt like he was talking about what he wants to try to do the next four years, which is what presidents do. What he did was appeal to our better angels and hopefully we can rise to the challenge.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn on President Barack Obama's inauguration speech

Rick Perry has never needed a binder full of women.

Deirdre Delisi, Perry's former chief of staff, on the gender makeup of the governor's office