"I would ask that you move this event off campus so that no parent, student or taxpayer might be under the impression that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts condones terrorism."

- Rep. Christopher Donelan (D-Orange) in a letter urging UMass Chancellor Robert Holub to move the November 12 speech of convicted terrorist Raymond Luc Levasseur to a location off campus. The former leader of the United Freedom Front served 18 years in jail following his conviction on several bombing charges in 1986. UMass officials eventually cancelled the event.

"I think that sometimes the general public has this sort of abstracted view of state workers as all sitting around eating Bon Bons all day and collecting a fat check and cushy benefits.

- Gov. Deval Patrick, on WTKK with talk show hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. Patrick was praising some state workers who have taken furloughs to save money and prevent more firings.

"Live closer to work when feasible. - From the Registry of Motor Vehicle's website page that offers "valuable" tips on how to reduce fuel consumption.

"When the veteran is coming back from duty ... society should be standing there with a basketful of benefits, with a basketful of opportunities for that veteran, whether it's he or she, to choose from."

- Sen. Jack Hart (D-Boston) speaking in favor of a bill that expands benefits for Massachusetts veterans.