When our most important issue is the debt that we're piling on our children and grandchildren, I think it's pretty helpful to have someone in the U.S. Senate who has actually managed billions of dollars and knows how to cut billions of dollars.

But ours was intended to be a citizen government. It is what of, by and for the people means. And when our most important issue in California is the creation of jobs, I think it's quite helpful to have someone in the U.S. Senate or in the governor's seat who actually knows where jobs come from.

Well, you know, I - again, even in the context of BP, I wonder about this government's priorities. The federal government's top priority right now should be the cleanup. And BP certainly has done so many things wrong. They need to be held to account.

I think the dot-com boom and bust represented the end of the beginning. The industry is more mature today.

Do not be afraid to make decisions, do not be afraid to make mistakes.

Many people have asked me how I feel about losing my job.

My mother taught me about the power of inspiration and courage, and she did it with a strength and a passion that I wish could be bottled.

You have to master not only the art of listening to your head, you must also master listening to your heart and listening to your gut.

The truth is, I'm proud of the life I've lived so far, and though I've made my share of mistakes, I have no regrets.

This world is clearly emerging before our eyes. The shifts ahead, the opportunities ahead are massive.

Leadership comes in small acts as well as bold strokes.

Most of the media... is positioning the merger with Compaq and the recent actions by Walter Hewlett and David Packard as a fight between the past and the future.

Many people see technology as the problem behind the so-called digital divide. Others see it as the solution. Technology is neither. It must operate in conjunction with business, economic, political and social system.

In democracy - and the good thing about democracy, big change does not happen quickly, and you need a buy-in and a convincing, a selling, an arm-twisting to get big change. And that takes time.

Ronald Reagan helped me become a Republican.

I tend to think that free-market conservative principles are the best ones for the CEO of a state.

We have to reduce the tax burden, whether it's income tax for corporations or private individuals, and we should put a freeze on property taxes.

I have said, on a number of occasions, that we could have a lower minimum wage or no minimum wage.

I think we've got to be competitive here in Illinois. It's critical we're competitive. We're hurting our economy by having the minimum wage above the national. We've got to move back to the national.

I like to spend money on investments.

I'm very thoughtful and disciplined with my money.

We must find a way to balance our tradition as a state welcoming of refugees while ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.

I don't care what the headline is. I want the results.

I've got to pick my fights at the right time.