Quotes of the Week

Craddick, Flores, Dingus, Eiland and ThompsonHouse Speaker Tom Craddick, in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, on polling: "If you ask, 'Do you want more money for education?' and they're going to say 'yes'. But if you ask if you ant more taxes to pay for it, they'll say 'no'." Rep. Kino Flores, D-Palmview, quoted in the Austin American-Statesman on his efforts to expand gambling in Texas: "Would you rather have the opportunity to go play a game of chance and let the state keep $5 worth, or would you rather the state force you to give it five bucks?" Midland City Councilman Bill Dingus, when told by The Dallas Morning News that the Texas Legislature doesn't record each member's vote on each issue: "I was unaware they didn't. I think that sounds kind of hillbilly." Rep. Craig Eiland, D-Galveston, asked if he and others can pass a campaign finance bill without help from Speaker Craddick: "I think we can pass it without his opposition." Two from Hunter S. Thompson, who shot himself last weekend: "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." And this: "Call on God, but row away from the rocks."