Rothenberg, Williams, Jones, Jones, Riddle, and Goolsby

Stuart Rothenberg, editor of the Rothenberg Political Report, in a Houston Chronicle story about slow Texas fundraising by John McCain: "If a Republican isn't outraising a Democrat in Texas, where are they going to outraise a Democrat? Vermont? The fact that he's having trouble getting campaign cash from reliable Republican donors reflects the fact they don't see him as a reliable Republican."

Roger Williams, head of the Texas GOP's "Victory" campaign, quoted in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "This is a challenging time to be a Republican. No question about it. We're the underdogs, and we have to act like it."

Bill Jones, head of the board of regents at the Texas A&M University System, on his job: "Paul Burka [of Texas Monthly] referred to me as the reincarnation of [the late University of Texas Chancellor] Frank Erwin. Which I thought was interesting. Frank was a Longhorn, and he's dead, and he's white."

Rep. Delwin Jones, R-Lubbock, one of a handful of House members who plan to run for Speaker in January: "I am positive I've got one vote."

Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, on proposed House voting machines, quoted in the Austin American-Statesman: "We've got pantyhose and petticoats to deal with. Are you looking at having one of these things in each stall?"

Rep. Tony Goolsby, R-Dallas, in response: "I don't know how many stalls you have. I haven't been hanging out in the ladies' restroom."