Cornyn, Whitmire, McWorter, and a t-shirtU.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, quoted in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: "Texas, I think, is a pretty reliable red state. But who knows with Obama-mania."

Sen. John Whitmire, talking about prison guard shortage in the San Antonio Express-News: "The state built most of its prisons in all the wrong places. They used prisons for economic development. The rural counties would give you the land and throw in other incentives. It might have looked like a bargain, but we're paying a huge price for it."

Eldorado resident Rita McWorter, quoted in The New York Times about the state taking custody of children from a religious group's compound there: "We used to have a duck one time. And a snake was trying to get at her eggs, and she fought it to the death. That's the way I am with my children."

The newest t-shirt from one of last cycle's independent candidates: "Kinky Friedman Governor 2010. Start Thinkin'."