John Engler

“I think we've got outstanding teaching in Michigan classrooms.”

“I just have a position that any child that's in a failing school should be able to get out, or be in a position to have that school fixed.”

“While America's infrastructure needs are substantial, there is no reason to delay completion of the highway bill. Every day of delay means jobs lost, investment opportunities missed and growth sacrificed.”

“Given the professionalism of Michigan teachers, I think they're not teaching because of the financial rewards.”

“The asbestos problem impacts everyone.”

“The parent knows instinctively that if they're working and setting an example for their child that means that child is more likely to be in school, more likely to stay out of trouble and more likely to complete their education.”

“I've been in the legislative branch and now the executive branch and in each case I felt it was important we use our constitutional responsibilities to the fullest.”

“I created no authority that wasn't already there under the constitution.”

“As governor, I learned the importance of having an agenda.”

“We have broken the cycle of dependency. People have found out they're better off working.”

“I'm a compassionate conservative.”

“I wish we could have acted quicker on Detroit or other failing schools.”

“I had made a decision early on that we were going to do the right things and that if they worked we were going to be very successful. And if for some reason they didn't, all the claims and the protestations and the excuses wouldn't make any difference.”

“All 50 states had the same national economy. And on virtually any measurement you wish to look at, Michigan has moved up and improved against the others.”

“The Clean Michigan Initiative has been and continues to be a success.”

“The greatest luck that I've had has been the ability to find men and women who came into my administration who worked with me and brought extraordinary talents that we were able to take full advantage of.”

“I have an old saying that the harder I work, the luckier I get.”

“You win by working hard, making tough decisions and building coalitions.”

“Manufacturers account for nearly 60 percent of all industrial research and development.”

“Believe me, I'm not going to try to get into testing.”