Our sense is that voter confidence in optical-scanning systems is higher than in direct-record systems. There is a significant portion of the electorate that has serious concerns about the integrity of the voting process.

I've spoken to many members of the legislature. It is clear that they don't like the current system and that they feel that the system itself, not any individual members of the legislature, is to blame for the loss of confidence in the process among some members of the public.

What is going to build up the party are new ideas, creativity and imagination.

There is probably no subject that I've gotten more communication about since my election nine months ago than the voting machine issue.

The problem is with the system. Everybody understands it is. What we need ultimately is to institute (solutions) to systematic problems.

I think it would be difficult for a challenger to use any of that.

Since the (final) budget has to be voted up or down without any amendment, there's no opportunity to have that kind of debate.

Many of you have e-mailed me or telephoned me. I've heard from you by just about all means possible except by hot air balloon.