Quotables

"It's been a tough year."

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, who on Nov. 9 declared a state of emergency for 20 counties because of earthquakes, tornados, and severe storms. So far this year, state records have fallen for lowest temperature, largest snowfall, highest surface wind speed, biggest earthquake, and largest hailstone.

"None of us recommended that we completely withdraw from Iraq."

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testifying before the Senate Armed Forces Committee, on whether any U.S. military commanders favored the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq that is scheduled to happen by the end of the year.

"I don't have Moses' staff, and I won't create miracles."

Abdurrahim El-Keib, new prime minister of Libya, to protesters seeking jobs and back pay.

"I am the government."

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, during a Nov. 9 radio interview, arguing that his rise in the polls is due to better service by the state government for New Yorkers. The comment quickly spread via Twitter.

"That campaign was an amazing experience. But I don't think I'm in the same mind-set anymore. He hasn't really addressed the young people, and we helped him to get elected."

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, student Emma Guerrero, who worked as a volunteer for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008, on the decline in youth enthusiasm for the president entering the 2012 campaign season.

"Really glad I wore my boots 2nite because I stepped in it out there."

GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry via Twitter, on not being able to remember one of the three cabinet agencies he wants to eliminate, during the Nov. 9 debate.