Quotes By Rick Perry

When a criminal breaks into your home I'll let the liberals call the lawyer. I'm going to call Smith & Wesson.

Being the Republican front-runner was three of the most exciting hours of my entire life. I've come to grips with it, and the only lasting effect is that I refuse to go on a stage that has more than one podium on it.

I'm all about job creation. That's what I've done for ten years as the governor of Texas, and that's what I'm focused on.

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.

My hope is that that person will come forward that can win the presidency that we can all get behind.

America's greatness is not found in the size of its government. America's greatness resides in the hearts and the minds of the people.

We want taxpayers, not tax wasters.

President Obama's call for nearly a half-trillion dollars in more government stimulus when America has more than $14 trillion in debt is guided by his mistaken belief that we can spend our way to prosperity.

As Americans, we don't see the role of government as guaranteeing outcomes, but allowing free men and women to flourish based on their own vision, their hard work and their personal responsibility.

And I have a message for the liberals and the defenders of the status quo: we're just getting started.

My deal is have a flat, simple tax. And - Americans want - Americans I hope - aspire to be - be wealthy. I hope they aspire to have a better quality of life. And we have this class warfare that's going on now. And I don't agree with that. I'm interested in people getting to work.

Admit it America - 2008 was our national 'oops' moment!

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.

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.

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.

Page one of any economic plan to get America working is to give a pink slip to the current resident in the White House.

I happily cling to my guns and my God, even if President Obama thinks that that is a simpleminded thing in his elitist heart.

Let's stop this American downward spiral.

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.

Americans want government that is leaner, more efficient, and less intrusive into their personal lives.

Our view is that individuals and families can govern their lives better than bureaucrats.

In the rush to become all things to all people, the federal government has lost sight of its core responsibilities. As a result we're stuck in this frustrating paradox where Washington actually neglects things it's clearly supposed to be doing, while interfering in other areas where they are neither welcome nor authorized.

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 didn't say I was running, did I?

I think Barack Obama is a socialist. I think he cares for his country - don't get me wrong about that - but I think he truly misunderstands what this country was based upon, the values that America was based upon, which was free enterprise and having the ability to risk your capital and having a chance to have a return on your investment.

Obamacare has got everyone on edge. I mean, small business - men and women or big business are sitting out there saying we have no idea what this is going to cost, but we know it's going to cost us and cost us a lot.

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.

Crucial to understanding federalism in modern day America is the concept of mobility, or 'the ability to vote with your feet.' If you don't support the death penalty and citizens packing a pistol - don't come to Texas. If you don't like medicinal marijuana and gay marriage, don't move to California.

I hope I am the Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses.

We can't have deficit spending in Texas. You have to balance your budget every two years.