Youve got to have a good public education system so small-business owners, when they locate to an area, are confident their kids are getting the best education possible. I feel strongly about local control in school districts.

I will tell you, in the case of education, you have to make the investment if youre going to get the return. Theres no doubt about that. Its a proven fact the return is there if you make the investment. It really is about priorities.

I think people need to know what they're eating. That's why I support country of origin labeling. That's why I support labeling of GMO's.

I really think that people's right to happiness shouldn't be dictated by some policymaker in Washington, D.C. I've come to know a lot of people that - sexual orientation is such where they're in love with people from the same sex, and I just don't think it's our role in the government to say, 'No you can't be married.'

I take my vacation on the combine and tractor.

I have great faith in the people of Montana they can't be bought.

I don't want to weaken the Patriot Act. I want to repeal it.

I didnt get this physique by not eating tacos.

Montanans elected me to the Senate to do away with shady backroom deals and to make government work better.

I think there is some real therapy in getting your hands in the dirt and working with food.

I dont know how the other senators see me. I hope they see me as a farmer. Thats really what I am. But I dont think they see me on a tractor or fixing equipment. I hope they see me grounded, as somebody who has common sense.

I was helping my mom grind meat at our butcher shop, and it just hypnotized me. I don't remember sticking my hand in, but it sheared off the three middle fingers and left me with a pinkie and a thumb.