As they see it.

• Position: Opinions on legislators on different issues

"It sure looks like 'rational exuberance' is what we have here."

--Chairman of the Washington House Finance Committee Representative Jim McIntire, commenting in the Olympian about an economic forecast that the state will take in an extra $305 million in revenue by 2007. He warned of $700 million in pension bills coming due in 2007-09.

"A distinctive license plate would warn parents and children of the potential threat posed by sexual offenders."

--Ohio Senator Kevin Coughlin to the Dayton Daily News about his proposal to require the state's most serious sex offenders to have pink license plates for five years after their release from prison.

"We are here to correct a mistake."

--Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader David "Chip" Brightbill to the Patriot-News after the legislature in November rescinded an unpopular pay raise it had given itself this summer.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the pay of your friendly Kansas state legislator is simply laughable."

--Kansas City Star commentary writer Steve Kraske in a column about the state's $82.12-a-day rate that adds up to about $7,390 in a typical session.

"There's no more jokes. We went from being the butt of national jokes on all the late night shows to people feeling pretty good about the state."

--New Jersey Senate President and...