We're pleased for the citizens of Illinois that our request for assistance for Greene and Morgan counties was approved by FEMA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

He made the request for their assistance to have (Elian) returned to him ... as soon as possible. They gave assurances to him that satisfied him on this point.

Her ruling on the request came only seven hours after the deadline for submission, before counties had completed their counts. She did not consider any facts and circumstances but rather cited cases to the effect that she lacked discretion.

We are very pleased because the judge has concurred with our request to keep the notes private. So the documents will not be released.

We cannot say no to what has already been approved by the citizens.

The tornadoes caused such comprehensive damage in such an expansive area that I'm sure more counties in Missouri and Illinois will be added [later].