Gov. Rick Perry on rumors that he’s sniffing out a presidential run: “I’ve got a legislative session that is substantially more important to the people of the state of Texas and to me.”

Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh on Perry's qualifications: "He has great hair."

Republican National Committeewoman Debbie Joslin of Alaska, quoted by the Washington Times on the talk of a presidential candidate from Texas: "As of today, I love Gov. Perry for the nomination. In my state, the coyote story alone would win him the nomination."

Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, as storm clouds gathered over the budget: "Nothing's impossible as long as the Legislature is in session."

Rep. John Zerwas, R-Houston, on health and human services budget figures in the House-Senate compromise: "It's a stretch. But it's absolutely certain it won't happen if we don't try."

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, at a Texas Tribune TribLive forum, on the budget: "Everybody wants a cut until they find out it's their grandmother that's going to be in the garage."

Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, at that same event, on whether there will be a negative reaction to what the Republican Legislature has been doing: "It's a conservative state, but it's not a crazy state."

Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, in an interview published by the Texas Democratic Party: "Rick Perry doesn’t understand higher education. He doesn’t have a graduate degree, and he graduated a long time ago with a major in something like agriculture. I have a PhD, so I understand the value of research and teaching. He just doesn’t understand it."

Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton, upon hearing that his "sanctuary cities" legislation, HB 12, was gutted by state senators, who replaced the bill with a homeland security omnibus bill: "I'm in the Zen mode right now. I am thinking."

Sen. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, presenting a bill that would make a particular type of fishing legal: “I personally don’t noodle, but I would defend to the death your right to do so."

Rep. Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, on campaigning as a 13-year-old for Gov. Dolph Briscoe: "I didn't get to vote, even though I grew up in Duval County."