"Clearly, it's more likely it's going to be somebody who's a Republican. But the important thing is getting somebody who is well qualified and will do a good job for agriculture."

- Gov. John Hoeven on who he might appoint to replace Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson if Johnson resigns.

"I've always believed that there is no person who is indispensable in any job. I love this job, make no mistake about it. This is not a job I was looking to leave. It's not very often you have the opportunity to weigh two dream jobs. That's the position I'm in right now."

- Roger Johnson on why he might resign as ag commissioner for the presidency of National Farmers Union.

"I don't believe I should have to pay my tax dollars for a slaughterhouse, so people can unload their horses. It doesn't seem to be a problem for all horse owners."

- Karen Thunshelle, a Minot horse owner, testifying Thursday against a bill to establish a study of a horse slaughter facility for North Dakota.

"It's a feel-good thing for everybody. North Dakotans really like to support homegrown businesses. People trust the people they know."

- Roger Johnson, ag commissioner, on the success of Wednesday's Going Local food initiative at the Capitol cafeteria.

"We've had trucks that try to pull over for other vehicles and just get laid over in the ditch."

- Jody Arthaud, who handles scheduling for Missouri Basin, on problems encountered on narrow North Dakota roads.

"If we're going to see a major wreck out here, it's going to be with the bridges."

- Byron Richard, who farms near Belfield, on the danger posed by some rural bridges.

"I said to her, 'Aiyana, you know I'm not afraid of losing my hands; they saved the parts that get to hug you.' I'm excited to get to do that."

- Amanda Smith on what she told her daughter after losing her feet and nine fingers because of hypothermia and frostbite.

"Obviously, this has gotten the board's attention and we're taking it very seriously. As we move forward, there will be no more incentive trips."

- Blue Cross Blue Shield Chairman Dennis Elbert explaining the decision to halt future retreats by staff members. Blue Cross came under criticism after it was learned more than 30 sales employees and guests went on a Caribbean trip.

"We have an extremely large hammer - Blue Cross Blue Shield is regulated in the state, and North Dakota is the regulator. We have the ability to get answers."

- Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm threatening an audit of Blue Cross Blue Shield after news of the Caribbean trip.

"We're required to put (the money) into holes. We don't have any holes."

- Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple on how federal stimulus funds are supposed to be used by the state.

"The federal money isn't coming with strings, it's coming with chains."

- Rep. Rick Berg, R-Fargo, on the rules on the use of stimulus funds.