"This system should be taken behind the barn and be killed with a dull ax."
-- Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., holding up two volumes of the federal tax code during a presidential campaign speech in New Hampshire.

"Any other topics that people want to talk about?"
-- Brownback again, in Iowa, after 30 minutes of voter questions about nothing but illegal immigration.

"I don't believe our citizens need government."
-- Rep. Ben Hodge, R-Overland Park, on his unsuccessful amendment to cut most state spending 1 percent.

"I just don't think the ladies here need to see that word."
-- House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, about the F-word on a bumper sticker seen on a state employee's car in a Capitol garage.

"It's hard to think the senator from Wyandotte would seek to annoy the British."
Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, on an amendment proposed by Sen. Chris Steineger, D-Kansas City, to replace the word "English" with the word "American" in the bill to make English the state's official language.