At 27 years old, I knew that I had been called to the ministry. I've just always been really stunned by how big a pulpit I was gonna have. I still am. I truly believe with all my heart that God has put me in this place at this time to do his will.

Gov. Rick Perry, at a private fundraising event in May, according to a transcript obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

He doesn't offend the whole broad spectrum of economic and social conservatives. He's just the right person at the right time at the right place.

Susan Weddington, former chairwoman of the Republican Party of Texas, on Gov. Rick Perry's potential presidential candidacy.

[Prayer and fasting] are not only an ineffectual use of time and government resources, but which can be harmful or counterproductive as a substitute for reasoned action.

A spokesman for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin-based group suing to stop Gov. Rick Perry's August prayer event from taking place, in the Austin-American Statesman.

I certainly don't think Rick Perry is the anti-education governor. I just think that some of the proposals he and some of his appointees are suggesting seem to be overly simplistic solutions to very complex issues.

Former UT regent Scott Caven, a member of the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education, on the governor's approach to higher education reform.

Redistricting is about politicians looking for jobs.

State Rep. James White, R-Lufkin.

Nothing against Landtroop. I just want people in District 88 to know there is an alternative.

Gary Walker, a former Republican House member who intends to challenge Rep. Jim Landtroop, R-Plainview, to the Amarillo Globe-News.

Every agency in state government that is an executive branch agency is exactly that. I can't say we are more or less aligned with the governor than any other governor in state history.

Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott on the influence of the governor on his shop.

Not guilty is not the same as innocent.

Former Gov. Mark White, discussing the death penalty at a Texas Tribune panel following a documentary about Cameron Todd Willingham.

I never hated him. I was never angry at him.

Rais Bhuiyan, who was shot in the head by gunman Mark Stroman during a massacre at a Dallas convenience store that killed three people, on why he is suing the state of Texas to halt Stroman's execution.

Look, to beat a gazillionaire is going to take a lot of money.

U.S. Senate candidate Ted Cruz, on the prospect of facing Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in a March primary.