Quotes of the Week

It’s just a fact, it’s not an excuse. We passed tort reform in Texas, so we can’t actually sue the doctors for what they told him.

Dave Carney, saying Gov. Rick Perry expected a two-week recovery from back surgery but required four months that disrupted his bid for president, quoted in the Washington Post 

I left there because I had serious concerns about the ethical and moral behavior of the senior leadership. I don’t particularly want to discuss that at length. I think it will be resolved. I am consoled by my certain knowledge that time wounds all heels.

Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, on Fox News after resigning from FreedomWorks

In retrospect, I believe we probably could have just beaten Perry with the Social Security hit.

Matt RhoadesMitt Romney's campaign manager, on Romney's attempt to move to the right of Gov. Rick Perry on immigration during the GOP primary

We should have waited actually longer. We should have waited till November maybe. … It would have given us more time to be prepared, more time to do some of the groundwork that's necessary.

Dave Carney on the governor's decision to enter the presidential race in August 2011

I think the human nature is to be free. The human instinct is to be free, free from overtaxation, free from overregulation, free from overlitigation. And until we free up the entrepreneurs in this country, we are going to struggle economically as a nation. 

Gov. Rick Perry while guest-hosting CNBC's Squawk Box on Tuesday

America can become a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. As our nation debates the proper course of action on immigration reform, I hope we do so with a benevolent spirit and keep in mind the contributions of immigrants.

Former President George W. Bush at an immigration conference organized by the George W. Bush Institute

That's why we shouldn't eliminate the word lunatic. It really has application around this town.

U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, telling CNN why he voted against removing the word from federal statutes