“If it’s a loaded weapon, you’re out forever, but it was a dummy device.”

– West Valley School District spokeswoman Sue Shields, when asked how long a suspension awaits a student who brought an inert hand grenade to class on Friday.

“If it’s OK with my wife, I’ll run in two years.”

– Washington state Rep. John Ahern, R-Spokane, discussing his political plans after a hand recount confirmed his defeat to Democrat John Driscoll, who captured the 6th District seat by a 72-vote margin.

“I was at first nauseated, then realized it was an opportunity.”

– Seattle artist Deborah Lawrence, who was invited to design an ornament for the White House Christmas tree, but had it rejected because she had worked an impeachment call into the festive design.

“That’s one of the damned good questions to which nobody’s got an answer.”

– Lobbyist Ed Owens, who represents the Hunters Heritage Council, as to why the 1994 Washington Legislature revoked a rule requiring hunters 14 and younger to be accompanied by an adult.

“We’re trying to accomplish 2008 goals with 1996 dollars.”

– Idaho Gov. Butch Otter, arguing in favor of funding transportation projects by raising the state’s gasoline tax, which was last adjusted in 1996.

“We are laying people off. We are cutting programs to the bone. I think we have to look at our own budget and keep it as whole as possible before we can give out money.”

– Spokane County Commissioner Bonnie Mager, objecting to county funding for business-oriented Greater Spokane Inc. to help create jobs at a time when county budget cutting requires laying off 58 employees.

“For the first time in the history of Canada, the prime minister is running away from the Parliament of Canada.”

– Liberal leader Stephane Dio, after Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a Conservative, suspended Parliament last week to forestall a confidence vote he is expected to lose.