As they see it.

"If you don't want to have your heart broken, don't fall in love."

--Minnesota Representative Rebecca Otto, in the Pioneer Press, saying she had no regrets while packing up her office after losing her 2004 election campaign. She won a special election in 2003 and never hung paintings or pictures on the wall.

"Let's face it, it has become a part of Texas culture, whether people understand what it means or not. We just want them to know it means 'don't litter.'"

--Doris Howdeshell of the Texas transportation agency, in the Dallas Morning News, on a new marketing campaign that authorizes "Don't Mess With Texas" merchandise, including t-shirts, pajamas, lunchboxes, belt buckles and a ceramic bath set.

2003: "Vision, shmision. Speakers don't have vision."

2005: "We can't afford to govern in the 21st century like we did in the 20th century. We don't have enough money."

--Virginia Speaker William J. Howell in the Washington Post. He said he has changed his mind since his son asked him about his vision for the speaker's job when he was first elected, January 2003.

"Minor scratches on body. No cracked glass. Interior damage consists of missing window handles, cracks in seat, rusty dashboard and cracked steering wheel."

--eBay description of a 1962 fire truck offered by Georgia as a trial run to gauge public interest in purchasing surplus state equipment. Reported by the Atlanta Journal...