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.

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.

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

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 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.'

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

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 didnt get this physique by not eating tacos.

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 take my vacation on the combine and tractor.