"It is through states that the American people get the job done every day, often in spite of a deeply flawed bureaucratic federal government."

"Reforming public education, cutting property taxes, fixing adult and child protective services and funding our budget can all occur when Democrats and Republicans engage in consensus and cooperation - not cynicism and combat."

"We believe in government involvement that leads to independence: good schools, quality roads and the best health care."

"Crucial to understanding federalism in modern day America is the concept of mobility, or 'the ability to vote with your feet.' If you don't support the death penalty and citizens packing a pistol - don't come to Texas. If you don't like medicinal marijuana and gay marriage, don't move to California."

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

"I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don't believe I deserved my friends."

"I don't believe in pessimism. If something doesn't come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it's going to rain, it will."

"For us political activists and candidates, the morning after any election is a mix of emotions - the personal and the immediate, the culmination of your own recent campaigning efforts and the fortunes of your party and the success or otherwise of what you stand for and believe in."