Quotes by Rick Perry

• Under Obama, our federal tax dollars can now be used to fund abortion all over the world. With the stroke of a pen, abortion essentially became a U.S. foreign export.
• Texas created more jobs in 2008 than the rest of the states - combined.
• Texas has long been known as the nation's largest energy producer, but we are equally proud of our distinction as the nation's leading energy innovator.
• The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we inhabit are not only critical elements in the quality of life we enjoy - they are a reflection of the majesty of our Creator.
• The foundation for future prosperity is built on the bedrock of good jobs and great schools. We are building a strong foundation one job at a time and one educated Texan at a time.
• The Obama administration is an affront to every freedom-loving American,and a threat to every private sector job in this country.
• The people who illegally cross into the country are from countries that have very close ties to al Qaeda, whether it's Yemen or Afghanistan, Pakistan, China. It is an absolute national disgrace.
• This administration in Washington that's in power now clearly believes that government is not only the answer to every need, but it's the most qualified to make the most central decisions for every American in every area.
• This administration in Washington... clearly believes that government is not only the answer to every need but it's the most qualified to make essential decisions for every American in every area. That mix of arrogance and audacity that guides the Obama administration is an affront to every freedom-loving American.
• Scouting ought to be about building character, not about sex. Period. Precious few parents enroll their boys in the Scouts to get a crash course in sexual orientation.
• To make sure that votes are never canceled out by illegal votes, we instituted a photo ID requirement. And don't you think it's fair to apply at least the same standard required to get a library card or to board an airpane?
• We can't have deficit spending in Texas. You have to balance your budget every two years.
• We had a $10 billion budget deficit when we got here in January of 2003. We cut that budget deficit; we did not raise taxes; we came back in '05, and we had an $8 billion surplus. That's how fast it can happen.
• We've got the wind at our back right now. Americans are waking up to the realities of their previous choices. We must keep America moving back to preeminence because our values and conservative ideas are the world's greatest hope.
• When you have a clearly open homosexual scout leader, the scouts are going to talk about it. And they're not there to learn about that. They're there to learn about what it means to be loyal and trustworthy and thrifty.
• You know, to preserve our job-friendly climate the Texas legislature didn't raise taxes this last legislative session while balancing their budget and maintaining their reserves - and might I add that our budget leaves $6 billion dollars in a rainy day fund?
• Those jobs flee other states because of factors like excessive taxation, punitive regulation and frivolous lawsuits.
• In Michigan, a liberal democrat raised taxes and kept their government programs at the same level. And guess what? Their economy continued into the toilet, it continued down.
• Reforming public education, cutting property taxes, fixing adult and child protective services and funding our budget can all occur when Democrats and Republicans engage in consensus and cooperation - not cynicism and combat.
• We need to stop apologizing for celebrating life. We need to stop apologizing for wanting to protect an individual's right to build a business.
• Dark economic clouds are dissipating into an emerging blue sky of opportunity.
• Democracy functions best when we have an active citizenry.
• Every life is precious.
• I didn't say I was running, did I?
• I don't want to look like Connecticut, no offense, I don't want to look like Oklahoma, I don't want to look like California. I want to be uniquely Texas. And that's not to diss anybody else.
• I stand before you today as a disciplined conservative Texan, a committed Republican and a proud American, united with you to restoring our nation and revive the American dream.
• According to a study by Achieve Incorporated, Texas is the first state to make a college-prep curriculum the standard coursework in high school, starting with this year's ninth grade class.
• Let's stand up. Let's speak with pride about our morals and our values and redouble our effort to elect more conservative Republicans.
• My hope is that that person will come forward that can win the presidency that we can all get behind.
• Obama is a president, who I think is anti-jobs.
• Our goal is to displace the entrenched powers in Washington, restore the rightful balance between the state and federal government.
• Our party cannot be all things to all people. It can't be. Our loudest opponents on the left are never going to like us so let's stop trying to curry favor with them.
• Our shared conservative values, our belief in the individual is the great hope of our nation.
• Our work is before us. It cannot be passed to future legislatures and must not be passed to future generations. May we boldly seize the moment with singular unity. And may we build a Texas of unlimited possibility.
• I grew up in a house with no running water, 16 miles from the closest place that had a post office. I had a very parochial view of the world.