In their words …

“We were raised in Rathdrum, so that probably explains a lot.”

An unidentified 24-year-old woman who, when assaulted by an intoxicated man some 8 to 10 inches taller than herself, punched him, elbowed him and sent him splashing into Lake Coeur d’Alene.

“He uses smiley faces in his text messages. Is that indicative of somebody that wants to defect and aid the enemy?”

Maj. Joseph Morse, lead defense attorney for Army Spc. Ryan G. Anderson, a former Washington State University student now accused of attempted treason.

“We will win by staying on the offensive. We will win by spreading liberty.”

President Bush, speaking Tuesday to veterans attending the convention of the American Legion.

“It’s not that I would have done one thing differently (in Iraq). I would have done almost everything differently.”

Sen. John Kerry, speaking Wednesday to veterans attending the convention of the American Legion.

“To those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: Don’t be economic girlie men.”

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, at the Republican National Convention.

“More wrong, more weak and more wobbly than any other national figure.”

U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, a Democratic keynote speaker at the Republican Convention, describing U.S. Sen. John Kerry.

“My job tonight is an easy one: to present to you one of this nation’s authentic heroes, one of this party’s best-known and greatest leaders – and a good friend.”

U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, introducing Kerry at a March 2001 Democratic Party dinner in Georgia.

“Although prosecutors and others entrusted with safeguarding us through the legal system clearly must be innovative and think outside the conventional envelope in enforcing the law and prosecuting terrorists, they must not act outside the Constitution. Unfortunately, that is precisely what has occurred in the course of this case.”

U.S. District Court Judge Gerald Rosen, in overturning terrorism-related convictions against two Muslim immigrants in Michigan..

“Vacation times and holidays are very important to people. It appears that they are willing to make adjustments to other parts of their budgets to take those trips.”

Janet Ray, spokeswoman for AAA Washington, on why record numbers of people were expected to hit the road over the Labor Day weekend despite high gasoline prices.