Where else in the U.S. does the press corps insist on man-to-man coverage at the governor's dinner table? -- a tweet from Scott Communications Director Brian Burgess. (Jan. 29.)
"There is this pesky thing called a Constitution that limits authority. I still believe the genius of America isn't just democracy but its divided government and limitations on each individual's ability to act unilaterally." -- Sen. J.D. Alexander, expressing what was a common refrain around the state Capitol after Scott put the brakes on the bullet train. (Feb. 19.)
We have a unique opportunity to put government back in its proper place and show the nation how private-sector growth leads to prosperity. Such a moment may not come again. My jobs budget has plenty of critics. Some critics are accustomed to big government and will fight to protect special interests, and there are others who agree on our policy but say that our agenda is too bold -- that we need to trim the sails of our imagination and settle for small improvements. They're wrong. -- Gov. Rick Scott in his State of the State speech. (March 12.)
"We want to be able to go to school every morning without having to worry if our family will be there when we get out," said Cecilia Perez, a legal resident and sophomore at Largo Magnet School, whose parents are not in the U.S. legally, speaking against the House immigration bill. (April 16.)
"This year Florida faced the largest budget shortfall in state history. Despite this challenge we passed a balanced budget without raising taxes or fees." -- Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. (May 28.)
There are members of my community, of the African-American community, who are sick and tired of a bleached Parole Commission, said Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, after Scott and the Cabinet decided against reappointing Cassandra Jenkins to the Parole Commission, leaving it with no African-Americans. (June 18.)
Today really sucked. For the first time after the launch, after that initial wave of patriotism, came a wave of absolute sadness." -- State Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, who represents the Space Coast. (July 9.)
I tell people all the time that I was born and raised in Ronald Reagans America. ... He was elected when I was in fourth grade and he left -- he left office when I was in high school. Those are very important years, fourth grade through high school; they were the years that formed so much of what today ... I believe and know to be true about the world and about our nation." -- U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. (Aug. 25.)
"It's sad that Floridians had to hire an army of lawyers to protect themselves from their own elected officials." -- Dan Gelber, lawyer for Fair Districts backers, after a federal judge rejected an effort by two members of Congress to get the redistricting amendment out of the Constitution. (Sept.10.)
"We're not that optimistic at all (about the budget),'' said Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. "We're all hopeful that the economy will turn around. But at this point, we don't see it.'' (Oct. 8.)
"Our goal is not about the expansion of gaming,'' said Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, a Fort Lauderdale Republican who is sponsoring a bill that would allow resort casinos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. "As a matter of fact, we hope it will reduce gaming in the state.'' (Nov. 5.)
"We cannot have another child, another student, die this way. No one anticipates sending their child off to school and having any pressure like this." -- Gov. Rick Scott, when asked about the state's investigation into the FAMU hazing incident. (Dec. 3.)
