I was born a limited-government person. I've always had this streak going through me.

I am extremely respectful of the Jewish community. You know, I am Christian. I think of Jews as my older brothers. I mean, there wouldn't be Christianity without the Jewish religion. There is a direct connection between the two of them.

Government is to point you in the right direction, and not to do everything for you.

There is no reason for anybody to have an assault weapon.

In 1964, I tried to convince my grandfather, who was active in the New York City firefighters union, to vote for Barry Goldwater over Lyndon Johnson because at the time I thought his approach to limited government was right on.

I have gone to Albany constantly in my capacity as budget director, because I don't think the way the transit authority works with the City of New York is very appropriate.

My best quality is that I talk to everyone. My worst quality is that I talk to everyone.