Quotables

'Our Lutheran morality, if you will.'

Erkki Tuomioja, foreign minister of Finland, on the reason his nation adhered to the fiscal discipline required for EU membership while other nations hid their problems. Tuomioja has said his country needs to be prepared for a potential end of the single European currency: "We have to face openly the possibility of a euro-break up."

'Regrettably I jumped into the water without a swimsuit.'

U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kan., on reports that he swam naked in the Sea of Galilee during a trip with other congressmen to Israel last year. Yoder, who does not have a Democratic opponent in his run for reelection this year, apologized to his constituents and said that it was dark enough that he didn't think anyone would see him and that he was in the water for 10 seconds.

'The budget that he came forward with is just like Paul Ryan. It is a sensible, straightforward, honest, serious budget.'

Erskine Bowles, former chief of staff in the Clinton White House and co-chairman of President Obama's Deficit Commission, on Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and his work with Bowles' commission. Bowles made his statement at a 2011 event in North Carolina. Ryan is now Mitt Romney's running mate.

'Everyone who came in with a pulse left with a pulse.'

Becky Davis, the University of Colorado Hospital emergency room charge nurse who oversaw the immediate care for the victims of the Aurora shooting. All of the 22 injured who arrived at the hospital survived. Only one remains in the hospital.

'Government didn't build my business, I DID.'

The message on the T-shirt of Davenport, Iowa, deli co-owner Ross Murty, on Aug. 15-as he served food to reporters traveling with President Obama during a trip to the battleground state. The message is a reference to President Obama's statement at a rally arguing that entrepreneurs rely on government infrastructure for success: "If you've got a business-you didn't build that."