McCain, Bachman, Chisum, Haggerty, and Wurzelbacher

John McCain, spoofing at the Al Smith Dinner, a benefit for underprivileged children, quoted by Politico.com: "I'm the underdog, but there are signs of hope. I can't shake the feeling that some people here are pulling for me. I am delighted to see you here tonight, Hillary."

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachman, R-Minnesota, on MSNBC's Hardball: "I wish the American media would take a great look at the views of the people in Congress and find out, are they pro-America or anti-America? I think people would be — would love to see an expose like that."

House Appropriations Chairman Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, after walking the Texas Taxpayers & Research Association through a list of obligations offsetting the state's balances: "We're eating at the surplus... This session will be business as usual: We'll live within our means and try to get out of here."

Rep. Pat Haggerty, R-El Paso, telling The Newspaper Tree that he'll be lobbying next session and explaining the difference between his elected job and that one: "Number one, you don't get as good of a parking place, and number two, you don't get to vote."

Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher, quoted by the Associated Press on his instant fame: "I'm kind of like Britney Spears having a headache. Everybody wants to know about it."