I would just say that there’s nothing in this world as serious as a comedian who is telling the truth.

Democratic agriculture commissioner candidate Kinky Friedman, asked at Thursday's TribLive conversation whether he's a joke candidate

Apparently I’ve out-foxed the campaign deal, so maybe I need to be a consultant. I’m not going to run all over the state. I work.

Democratic agriculture commissioner candidate Jim Hogan on his come-from-nowhere appearance in the party runoff for the statewide office

When we had no money, no endorsements, no support, Konni Burton was there. Now, that might just tell you she’s a little bit crazy. But as Texans, we can use a little bit crazy.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, talking to supporters of Burton, who is in the Republican runoff for SD-10, at a rally in Fort Worth

I certainly think all students should be aware of creationism. They should be aware of that, absolutely. Teaching it as a science, it should be taught on equal footing.

SD-16 GOP nominee Don Huffines, telling KERA his position on teaching creationism in school

I basically think everybody would be better off … if people weren’t able to exert so much influence on politicians with money.

Bernie Madoff, talking to Politico, on the need to curtail the amount of giving to political campaigns

I think if you do the right thing and lose, you still did the right thing. I think if you do less than the right thing and win, it’s morally reprehensible.

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., on his governing philosophy