As they see it.

• Position: Opinions of state legislators

"... It's a helluva lot like planning your own funeral."

--Mississippi Representative Steve Holland, who happens to be a funeral home operator, on concerns of cutting back on the Medicaid program quoted in The Wall Street Journal.

"This is the last time we will be in the Capitol as we know it. "

--Virginia House of Delegates Clerk Bruce F. Jamerson, in the Washington Post, as the legislature has its last session before the Thomas Jefferson-designed Capitol is restored for the 2007 celebration of the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown.

"No, George, No!" and "Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under My Bed!"

--The titles of two books on the opposite ends of the political scale targeted at children. The Wall Street Journal used these examples to show how both sides are trying to win the hearts and minds of youngsters, many of whom will be able to vote in 2008.

"... if I am making Oreos and you eat 10 pounds of them, you can't sue me."

--Maryland Delegate John S. Arnick, describing a bill he sponsored called the Common Sense Food Consumption Act to the Capitol News Service.

"The learning curve is too steep. We're asking people to give up too much to learn policy and procedure in such a short time."

--Florida Senate President Toro Lee, in the Independent Florida Alligator, on his support to extend term limit restrictions from eight years to 12.

"It seems like it's poised to become, for the reform community, the equivalent of McCain-Feingold."

--Bruce E...