In their words …

“The U.S. military presence has become part of the problem, not part of the solution,”

– U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, urging the president to withdraw troops from Iraq.

“Yes, absolutely. This is a sovereign government – they’re on their feet.”

– President Bush, on whether the United States would remove troops from Iraq if the elected government made such a request.

“They could be risking their lives to vote. But what can I say? They want freedom. They want democracy. They want a better life for their children”

– Wafa’a Assi, who fled Iraq four years ago and now lives in Spokane.

“Clearly we have more illegal votes than the margin of victory.”

– Washington state Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance, after the party filed court briefs on why the legal challenge to Gov. Christine Gregoire’s victory should move forward.

“This is awesome. Police officers don’t understand this. They see a small percentage of people over and over again.”

– Former Coeur d’Alene police Chief Tom Cronin, on the huge turnout at a charity event for Officer Michael Kralicek, who was shot and seriously injured in the line of duty.

“Who’s going to stand up and argue that poor people should contribute more of their income than rich people? That is ultimate nonsense.”

– Bill Gates Sr., urging the Washington Legislature to adopt a state income tax.

“This has been the worst winter I’ve experienced in 20 years of doing business here in Sandpoint. It kind of knocks the wind out of sales.”

– Marc DeLaVergne , owner of Outdoor Experience, which caters to skiers.

“It’s just like summer, brother. We’re going great.”

– Ron Ridl, manager of Painted Hills Golf Course.

“I didn’t have my teeth in or nothing, so I couldn’t bite the bastard back.”

– Disabled veteran Ray Fink, 56, describing his tussle with an armed intruder who, as Fink was relieving him of his .45-caliber automatic pistol, bit him on the thigh and wouldn’t let go.