“I want you to know that the events that led to Kerry’s death are very rare, and that she would not want you to worry. Hug your family and cherish the miracle of life, but don’t worry.” — State Treasurer Dean Martin, speaking about his wife’s death due to complications from childbirth, and the death [...]

“I think we can do at least three, maybe five. I mean, we’re not going to privatize death row, obviously.” — Rep. John Kavanagh, a Republican from Fountain Hills, speaking about the possibility of privatizing prisons. The comment was made less than a week before the release of a Senate Appropriations budget proposal that included [...]

“Thousands of patients across Arizona are already using medical marijuana with their doctor’s recommendation. These patients shouldn’t have to risk arrest and jail just for following their doctor’s advice.” — Andrew Myers, a campaign manager for the Arizona Medical Marijuana Policy Project, explaining that voters should pass a ballot initiative in 2010 to legalize the [...]

“I’m not that kind of girl.” — Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, responding on the House floor May 7 to another lawmaker who addressed her using the honorific “Mrs.” instead of “Ms.”“They finally unshackled me from my desk on the Eighth Floor. Now that you’re asking me questions, they probably won’t let me out again.” — [...]

“I’m not going to get rolled again this year like every single year in the past.” — Sen. Ron Gould, a Republican from Lake Havasu, complaining about “liberal” House Republicans whom he said want to push more spending and a tax increase.“I want to implore my colleagues to stop bullying Senator Gould.” — Sen. Paula [...]

“We’re not even playing footsie — we’re texting.” — Assistant House Minority Leader Kyrsten Sinema, likening the budget process to dating.“Let’s say Sarah Palin was acceptable, and I voted for her.” — Chris Simcox, explaining why he voted for Sen. John McCain last November.“There is an irresistible urge by the government above you to tinker [...]

“Are Crosby, Nash and Stills going to be deputy directors?” — Michael Low, a senior partner at Low & Childers, commenting on an announcement by Gov. Jan Brewer’s office that she had hired Neal Young to be the director of the Department of Economic Security.“It’s like drinking and driving. Either one of them is fine [...]

“You’re a reporter — you might want to ask.” — Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat from Phoenix, telling journalist Howie Fischer at an April 6 press conference to speak with GOP leaders about their thoughts on federal stimulus money for unemployment insurance.“I have asked. And they don’t want it.” — Fischer’s response. “I just thought I’d [...]

“You’ve never heard of a temporary tax, but you’ve never heard of Gov. Jan Brewer either, so there you go.” — Gov. Jan Brewer, responding to the concerns of an audience member at the Phoenix Rotary 100 luncheon that the temporary tax increase she is proposing would become permanent. “For those of you that think [...]

Rep. Sam Crump “It’s frustrating that our hands seem to be tied.” — Rep. Sam Crump, a Republican from Anthem, on a provision in the state’s photo-enforcement contract that permits RedFlex, the state’s camera vendor, to collect compensation for early termination of the agreement.“Everything I hear about (Rio Nuevo) makes me happier and happier that [...]