"Message discipline was the mantra, the four food groups: The campaign would sick to tort reform, crime, education, welfare reform...'I'm going to get four issues and I'm going to hammer on them, I'm going to hammer on them.'" (George W. Bush, "First Son," page 277)

"We must teach our children to read." ("The Family," Kelley, page 549)

"Results matter. I'm not out of touch. I've worked with the working people at my ballpark...Let me put it to you this way," Bush continued, "if people are happy with schools, then I'm not the right person [for governor]. I'm going to deregulate the school districts so that the local parents and teachers and administrators can develop programs that best fit their kids. If people think, as the governor does, that violence is down and everything is safe on the streets, then don't vote for me. I don't think that way. I hear from too many about how dangerous their lives are. And I want to protect the innocent."

Bush declared that Texas was considered "the third most dangerous state in the nation. No wonder, because in the last three years, 7,700 criminals have been released early from prison." Bush promised, "I will end early release of criminals and end parole altogether for rapists and child molesters." ("Fortunate Son," Hatfield, pages 127-128)

"He had [also] crafted an answer to the Drug Question, one that he would repeat for years..."What I did as a kid? I don't think it's relevant what Ann Richards did as a kid...I just don't think it matters. Did I behave irresponsibly and a kid at times? Sure did. You bet." ("First Son," Minutaglio, page 282)

In November, 1994, George W. Bush became only the second Republican to be elected Texas Governor since Reconstruction when he defeated Ann Richards 53.5 percent to 45.9 percent.