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Some Levity at Start of Illinois Senate Session
Inauguration in the Illinois Senate always features flowers, a crowded chamber, lots of pats on the back, and hugs. But this year it also included a biting awareness that an ugly duty before the Senate will make history.

For the first time in Illinois, the Senate will hold an impeachment trial against Gov. Rod Blagojevich, and that fact was clearly on the minds of every senator in the chamber. The speeches were either subtle -- with references to an "ethical cloud" or "trying times ahead" -- or blunt in describing the seriousness of the looming trial.

In one of the few lighter moments, State Sen. Lou Viverito (D-Burbank) had to take the oath late, because he was stuck in an elevator while the rest of the senators took their oath. Another funny moment came when newly-elected Senate President John Cullteron (D-Chicago) said that his wife felt their long marriage was a success because they were both in love with the same man. After a long batch of laughter, Cullerton said, "It's not that funny."

After the ceremony, the Senate took up the sobering duties associated with starting a trial later this month. For example, it accepted reams of paper as evidence for the impeachment trial, and it issued a summons for the governor, which was served to governor's office staff in the Capitol.

(Illinois Radio Network)
01 17 09 by Newsroom
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