"A successful economic development strategy must focus on improving the skills of the area's workforce, reducing the cost of doing business and making available the resources business needs to compete and thrive in today's global economy."

"Let's put aside the politics and trust the people. Let's embrace the unique opportunity we all have take the heat and make the hard and difficult decisions, knowing that we're doing it to make things better for the people of Illinois."

"Homeowners who refinanced their mortgages took out cash and reduced their monthly payments at the same time. Much of the cash obtained by refinancing was spent on consumer durables, home improvements and the like."

"Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate, now what's going to happen to us with both a House and a Senate?"

"My mom decorated with lots of antiques. I never liked it when I was a little girl - I wanted to live in a modern house. But now I love it."

"When the good lord calls you home, the government ought not come get your home."