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The most notable quotes from American Banker stories of the previous week. Readers are encouraged to add their own observations in the Comments fields at the bottom of each slide.

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On Liberty Bancshares' successful acquisition after a 10-year courtship:

"I've walked off from it, I've been hit in the nose, I've been run off, the door's been shut in my face, and I said many times I'd never go back."

—John W. Allison, chairman of Home BancShares (HOMB)

Related Article: Arkansas Deal Shows the Power of Patience… And a Rich Stock

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On the rebound in FirstMerit's (FMER) stock months after investors reacted negatively to its deal for Citizens Republic (CRBC):

"It has recovered and then some."

—Terry McEvoy, an analyst at Oppenheimer

Related Article: FirstMerit Shows Banks Can Reshape Attitudes Toward a Done Deal

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On the passion Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., has brought to the Senate Banking Committee regarding GSE reform, student loan policy and issues:

"She is, to use an adage back in Tennessee, stronger than battery acid."

—Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.

Related Article: Unusual, Er, Praise for Senate Banking Panel's Heitkamp

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On the frustration Mel Watt feels over his pending confirmation as FHFA director:

"It's hurtful to have been doing something for 40-plus years to be on a panel with people most of whom could be my children, and I have been designated … as, 'This guy's not qualified.'"

—Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C.

Related Article: Three Critical Issues Raised by Watt Confirmation Hearing

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On the prospect of cracking down on banking consultants and forcing them to repay some of their fees:

"The independence and integrity of monitors and independent consultants is another area of vital concern... We as regulators can … seek to secure a voluntary disgorgement of fees from those that failed in their duties."

—Ben Lawsky, superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services

Related Article: Lawsky Calls for Tighter Reins on Bank Consultants

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On the importance to banks of last week's Supreme Court rulings supporting of gay marriage and federal benefits for gay couples:

"It's ... going to be easier for gay and lesbian bankers to come out, because they're on increasingly solid ground."

—Bill Donius, the former chairman and CEO of Pulaski Bank in St. Louis

Related Article: Banks Praise Supreme Court's Gay-Rights Rulings

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On the prospect that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's fine of U.S. Bancorp (USB) and a vendor foreshadows more such actions:

The CFPB has "a laser-like focus on vendor management."

—Alan Kaplinsky, head of the consumer financial services group at law firm Ballard Spahr

Related Article: U.S. Bancorp's Settlement with CFPB Spotlights Vendor Risk

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On how the soon-to-be-rebranded BNC Financial (BNFI) plans to reach $1 billion in assets:

"We have a clear organic growth map that also layers in acquisitions that are in the right markets and the right price."

—Peyton Patterson, CEO, BNC Financial

Related Article: BNC Financial Plans Major Offensive in Connecticut

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On the prospect that a decline in Truth in Lending Act-related litigation may prove temporary:

"As a society, we like to sue. You always have to be prepared."

—Rusty Cloutier, president/CEO, MidSouth Bancorp (MSL)

Related Article: Truth in Lending Litigation Slows but Bankers Remain Wary

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On why small banks make the most attractive acquisitions:

"Half a loaf is better than none."

—Matt Funke, the CFO of Southern Missouri Bancorp (SMBC)

Related Article: Missouri Deal Sheds Light on Hidden Value in Tiny Banks

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On the stressed conditions in the leveraged-loan market:

"What we're seeing is very similar to what happened in 2008, when people were rushing to exit and there was no liquidity."

—Steven Fischer, head of debt capital markets, high yield, at Morgan Joseph TriArtisan

Related Article: Corporate Borrowers Pull Leveraged Loans as Markets Churn

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