I can't listen today, of all days. Will this be archived in full anywhere, or will I have to rely on excerpts from news coverage later?
carbon deforestation
· 11 months ago
CNN doesn't have it, yet. No link on Tribune page. GA feeds are jammed, servers full. Help me, I need my impeachment fix!
Anon
· 11 months ago
I'm the same way CD. CNN has US Senate Floor action when you try to link to impeachment.
omg
· 11 months ago
cnn has it in the corner.
chicountryguy
· 11 months ago
Trib has it.
Currie just said Blago's lawyers were invited to today's hearing but declined to attend.
Anon
· 11 months ago
Trib link is up
carbon deforestation
· 11 months ago
got it, thank you Tribune
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
How many of these people have laptops viewing how they look via CNN and the Trib live feeds?
carbon deforestation
· 11 months ago
Dave Ellis just the judge's admonition of Genson about the legality of the wiretaps.
Cheswick
· 11 months ago
So, what does Blagojevich's attorneys' failure to attend signify? A new course of action? Disillusionment? Retainer fee ran out?
WCIL
· 11 months ago
I am watching on WGN also
moo
· 11 months ago
Cheswick: signifies that CNN is no longer covering it
wizard
· 11 months ago
cnn has it. was just watching it there.
wndycty
· 11 months ago
For anyone in Chicago metro its on CLTV
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
Lou Lang is skewering Blago and company about the JCAR stuff, using answers to questions provided by Hoffman and Maram. It's pretty sharp.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
cltv
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
Veteran hiring and Rutan violations now...Lang is reading a report that I thought he said was from 'Z' Scott, but I may be wrong.
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
CO, you're correct.
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
This is interesting... As you watch the live coverage, you can play Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon
...and it works.
"Us and Them"... "I mean, they're not gonna kill ya, so if you give 'em a quick short, sharp, shock, they won't do it again. Dig it? I mean he got off lightly, 'cause I would've given him a thrashing, I only hit him once. It was only a difference of opinion, but really, I mean good manners don't cost nothing do they, eh?"
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
It seems to me that Lang is just confirming what Fitzgerald must already know. Must be making Fitz & company smile.
Former State Employee 2
· 11 months ago
I'm watching in full screen view with every example that Lou Lang presents, he looks more and more disgusted.
Tim
· 11 months ago
Cheswick: I'm thinking the lack of attendance by Blago's attorneys is supposed to signify that they are no longer acknowledging the authority of the impeachment panel... as if they ever really did.
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
What's that? They backdated employee's start dates so that they can accrue more vacation days?
This is the same governor who flew to Springfield to reiterate before the Press a list of retired public employees who received vacation days in a way Blagojevich said was improper!
But his adminstration is jacking with vacation days for the "right" people?
Bums!
chicountryguy
· 11 months ago
Why was this report confidential until now? I'm seriously asking.
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
CC, Currie just answered, but to repeat her answer: State law requires it to be confidential. Roger Eddy says "perhaps the law oughta be looked at."
wndycty
· 11 months ago
It is confidential information that was released only after the AG gave an opinion that it was appropriate as part of these hearings.
Cranky Old Man
· 11 months ago
I just got in a few minutes ago. Did the hiring stuff at CMS come up?
carbon deforestation
· 11 months ago
Currie said they are out of material, looks like they are done except for Roland Burris. Tomorrow will be last day of this committee. Durkin pointed out the Homeland Security clearance revocation.
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
Fritchey, wherever you were on vacation, you got quite a bit of a tan. You look...I'unno, swarthy. Not that it's a bad thing. But...well, it was TEN here while you were gone :)
Former State Employee 2
· 11 months ago
Any thoughts on why Madame Chairman is so snippy today?
carbon deforestation
· 11 months ago
Cranky - yes Lang read the ethics committee report - it was scathing - talked about the cheating on veterans preferences hiring, etc.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
Geez, Black is asking a question that was explained 15 minutes ago. Pay attention, please!
Cranky Old Man
· 11 months ago
Thanks, CD. It seems like I'm always a day late and a dollar short.
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
Geez - get a staffer to number your pages!
Former State Employee 2
· 11 months ago
Just to clarify, its wasn't CMS hiring in the OEIG report, it was DES hiring.
Southern Illinois
· 11 months ago
In Corrections E.E.T. time was created in 2006 in order for the unqualified merit comp employee's who where hired off the street could earn quick time off vs. actually working for a period of time that the employee would earn benefit time i.e. vacation, holiday, etc.
What Mr. Lang describes in the report about IDES is mirror to Corrections regarding hiring rutan excempt, veteran, etc. Mr. Bost in questions to Mr. Lang asked if the report contained other Departments...
I hope the US Attorney for Southern Illinois is monitoring also.
OEIG is still trying to define "Ethics". What a joke.
Phineas J. Whoopee
· 11 months ago
I don't think this will be the last day of the committee because they have to wait to see if they gets the tapes.
Phineas J. Whoopee
· 11 months ago
I mean tomorrow will not be the last day.
ex employee
· 11 months ago
How much better would the house looked if they had filed the impeachment charges last year, the year before, or even the year before that? Anybody with half of a clue new that laws were being broken in the first term. They are just as guilty as they cast their stones.
watching from afar
· 11 months ago
facinating to watch - especially Fritchey's tan - jeeze. does this guy go to work?
The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers P
· 11 months ago
The "sunshine is brighter on your side" comment about Fritchey's tan was too funny.
Rich Miller
· 11 months ago
he tans easily. That was from a holiday weekend, believe it or not. It's eery.
Really?!
· 11 months ago
Who just slammed Fritchey's tan? That was funny stuff.
The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers P
· 11 months ago
I know. It was meant along party lines. Still, it was funny.
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
Wouldn't it be great if those digital name tags were able to be used to present personal data about the people behind them - like, "Rep. Fritchey got his tan at Sally's Sun 'n Fun, which has a discount this week - 20% off!"
or...
"Rep. Black wears Old Spice every Wednesday"
It would make things a whole lot more interesting!
why so serious?
· 11 months ago
The reason this hiring stuff hands been hands off for years is because the people hired were all these Dem legislators friends and family. Notice no names in this report or who their sponsor was.
It is easy to rail against it when you keep those pesky details under wraps.
Ghost
· 11 months ago
Bah Rep. Black prefers Brute by fabrege
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
lol, Vanman...but hey, the state needs money, so why not sell little scrolling sponsorships?
"These impeachment proceedings brought to you by...Vidal Sassoon Ultra Firm Hair Spray. Rod's Favorite!"
The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers P
· 11 months ago
===Wouldn’t it be great if those digital name tags were able to be used to present personal data about the people behind them - like, “Rep. Fritchey got his tan at Sally’s Sun ‘n Fun, which has a discount this week - 20% off!â€===
If any of "Daley's guys" are reading this, I'm sure they've started looking for advertisers for next months city council hearings.
Anon
· 11 months ago
I am having trouble finding the Z Scott report on the committee website...
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
These people have sponsors! Let's demand that they start scrolling their major campaign contributors!
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
...and we're outta here!
Macbeth
· 11 months ago
Anyone have a link for Z. Scott's report on the general assembly page?
I'm looking at the GA page but don't see a download of the report.
Say WHAT?
· 11 months ago
Rich, was that you at the end of the WGN feed wearing tan?
Where can we find the ethics committee report read by Rep. Lang? I was trying to take notes, but my jaw kept dropping and I found myslef staring at the screen. I shoulda popped some popcorn.
Macbeth
· 11 months ago
Here's the impeachment page, but the Z. Scott report is not posted:
I'm pretty sure the same Zalewski in the report is about to become the State Representative from the 21st district.
sal-says
· 11 months ago
God love us all, because it's certain the IL politicians don't.
Scooby
· 11 months ago
Exhibit 44 is a court transcript of the debate on the motion to release the audio tapes. But whoever scanned the transcript in to make the .pdf file only scanned the odd numbered pages so it reads like a Goonies mystery.
new nick for now
· 11 months ago
Zalewski is mentioned as the receipient of an e mail on page 10 from George Rada, essentially, concerning Walker's refusal to play ball and on page 13 when the unqualified Gierke was transfered to Public Aid with Zalewski's assistance.
Il Pundit, I believe you are on the money. Let's see: this Zalewski works for Cini, so it is clearly someone who has clout... Rep. Zalewski's (he already was sworn in--taking the place of Bob Molaro) father is alderman in the Chicago's 23rd Ward, so he meets the clout critieria. Lipinski and Ald. Zalewski are longtime allies of Rod Blagojevich. And, how many Mike Zalewski's are there in the world?
Yep, survey says: it is Rep. Mike Zalewski mentioned in the report.
Can you confirm this, Rich? If so, the Representative may be called to testify in front of the committee.
IDOT'er
· 11 months ago
And Mike's wife Carrie is an attorney for IDOT in Chicago.
Vote Quimby!
· 11 months ago
Must be good stuff on the tapes--didn't the defense attorney say he wanted ALL the tapes released and now doesn't want any? Can't wait to hear them!
32nd Ward Roscoe Village
· 11 months ago
Memo to Rep. Fritchey:
I voted to elect you and I am also in the 5th District so will be voting the special election. Since the US Senate has wimped out, I am looking to you to grill, and I mean GRILL, Burris tomorrow about all his improprieties, his partner getting Patty a job, his donations to RRB's campaign, etc., so that you can show the US Senate that there were improprieties with RRB appointing him to the Senate. Use the skills you learned in at NU law school. The voters are watching.
Maggie
· 11 months ago
What is going on here ? Channel 7 just said the house does not need to speak to Burris tomorrow. Is everyone in this state wimps ? Put the fire to this guy and make him answer questions. Like how many state contracts his family has gotten from Blagojevich ? I just can't believe they are going to seat this clown.
To 32RV
· 11 months ago
I'm sure the committee is going to remember that they're investigating Blago, not Roland. Stay focused.
47th Ward
· 11 months ago
Anybody think the Governor is going to comply with the newest subpeona? Me neither. Like waiting for the release of the tapes, this is another complete waste of time.
Illinois Held Hostage: Day 29.
Nero
· 11 months ago
Just noticed that Ed Genson sits on the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Board of Trustees he must've been called to a special meeting today by the Gov.
Cheswick
· 11 months ago
Nero, so does Mike Madigan's wife and Lisa's mom.
Cheswick
· 11 months ago
The Cook County Bar Association is seeking leave to file an Amicus Brief in support of Roland Burris. They want to give the Court "the opinions rendered by legal scholars and persons of authority..."
Cheswick
· 11 months ago
Blagojevich and his people have nothing but disdain for the people of Illinois, laws, rules, veterans preferences, and the process to nominate a U.S. Senator. Why should we accept his nominee?
Page four of the PDF (or page 1 of the report):
"The OEIG found that in many of the reported cases, the HR Department of IDES, in conjunction with individuals in the Governor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs ("GOIA"), manipulated titles, credentials, positions, position location, or other criteria to fit candidates sponsored by GOIA into positions at IDES without following State law or normal State hiring protocol. This task was accomplished throught the use of mechanisms designed to avoid veterans' preference hiring in non-exempt positions as well as through the creation of positions, titles and job responsibilities."
Last two sentences on page 12 of the PDF (or page 9 of the report):
"In regards to the hiring concerns voiced by [Tim] Walker, Cini told Walker that GOIA needed to place people in positions for which they have no experience, and they "can be dealt with later." Cini also said that the Governor's Office determines the hiring process, not the agency (in this case, IDES)."
End quotes.
Walker was apparently doing the job of hiring the way he thought best for IDES. Can't have that, so they later found a way to get rid of Walker.
Cecil
· 11 months ago
First they use the "Public Intern" loop hole. Now they are using the "60 Day Emergency Hire" loop hole under contract. When the 60 days are up, they roll them over to another 60 days, then another, and another, and........
pontiacstaff
· 11 months ago
Maybe some will remember a couple years ago when Blago's daughter received a sum of money for a 'birthday gift.' This was from friends of his of which the wife recieved a job in one county, but worked in Cook Co. Also, a female was hired for a vacant Administrative Asst. position at Pontiac Corr Ctr., but never worked a day here. Guess where - yes, Cook County!
Sticking up
· 11 months ago
Let's be careful with the "tanning" remarks folks. John Fritchey is rightly proud of his Moroccan ancestry.
Bobs yer
· 11 months ago
Stock Tip:
BUY: Illinois Republican Party shares for 2010.
Downstate Cook County (Macoupi
· 11 months ago
Joe Cini mentioned, oh my. Looks like the Flood gates may be opened soon as well. Get it Sam?
Question
· 11 months ago
Why are exhits 45 and 46 missing?
18 minutes missing?
· 11 months ago
Where is exhibit 45 and 46? They said something about a letter former communications director Bob Aria... so what was it?
Bebe
· 11 months ago
Yes, Mike Z is the same State Rep elect Mike Zalewski. Also very reliable sources told me that this report was possible only because IDES top management cooperated with the OEIG. Similar events took place in other agencies, which were more willing to go along with Cini's office, and were not as cooperative with the OEIG. Remember Dawn Defraites and Mike Casey? Ask them.
J
· 11 months ago
I wouldn't be surprised if the committee ignores that letter from bob Arya.
That guy was the biggest blowhard I ever met. In my only direct conversation with him, he tried to pretend he was thisclose to the Governor. Several things he said made it immediately apparent that he was full of it.
I don't know why he would want to appear to be buddy-buddy with Blago. That simply escapes me! LOL
Blago Sphere
· 11 months ago
What's the deal with the Chiago Christian Industrial League having secured $10.8 million through the state to finance its new homeless shelter?
According to Novak in the Bright One:
{“CCIL finds itself in a very precarious financial situation,†McIntyre wrote. “For the first time in our history we are facing a possible bankruptcy. . . We love our new facility, and all the energy-saving features of this building have allowed us to keep our operating expenses reasonable, but the overwhelming debt has left us weakened financially.â€
Since it left Greektown, the charity now serves fewer homeless people, struggles to pay its bills and has gotten permission from its lenders to delay payments on the money it owes.}
How can the state be renegotiating the loan terms with an agency that owes it $10.8 million and is struggling to pay its debt, while at the same time employing the Governor's wife for $100,000.
That would sure seem to be an ethical conflict of interest; wouldn't it? Which agency is it that lent them the money?
Question
· 11 months ago
Bob Ayra was "let go" from his position. I bet he has something good to say. That is why I asked the question.
Sweet Polly Purebred
· 11 months ago
Sometime after "the 35" were led out in the notorious perp walk, DHS marched out 3 BAS employees - Pat Lonski, Matt Magalis and Victor Kerpita with the intention of firing them. But, because of the flak over the 35, DHS chose to place them all on PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE to get them out of the gov's appointees way. All three were qualified for their position and did a fine job. They were removed for the same reason the 35 were - they happened to work under a GOP admin and the gov wanted their jobs to reward his friends. Mr. Lonski was Business Services chief making over $100,000 a year. The position was then filled with what could only be termed a gift from the gov - a black female with NO Business Services experience. After Mr. Lonski had been on paid leave for OVER 16 MONTHS, this issue was addressed via email to the Secretary. Her response was, that while it was true that we were paying two people to do the job - DHS was continuing to look to place Mr. Lonski in an "appropriate" position. Not long after this email exchange, Mr. Lonski was placed at Hay-Edwards and as punishment, all duties removed from him, where he stayed until his decision to leave the agency. The Matt Magalis mentioned here is the same one who had the courage to blow the whistle on the gov's people not all that long ago. This and other issues regarding hiring were taken to the OEIG by me in the form of a formal complaint. That process in itself was a nightmare. There is no such thing as an anonymous complaint. They would not take a complaint without a name and a written form. A form that stated that if it was felt necessary by the OEIG, my NAME could be given to superiors in my agency and that the final decision as to whether the complaint was founded - deserving of further investigation or unfounded would be made by the gov and/or the Secretary of my agency. I knew at that point that my complaint was doomed. Why would either of them find on the side of hiring misconduct for GOD's SAKE. Is it any wonder Z. Scott made the comments she made regarding her frustration over the lack of complaints making their way through the system for prosecution. No wonder she LEFT so early in her term.
Sweet Polly Purebred
· 11 months ago
Oh and did I mention that a number of our gifts from the gov had "ENHANCED" their resumes with false educational and professional credentials? This is usually an undisputed reason for termination, but in their cases, they were allowed to "CORRECT" their resumes and retain their positions. Then, of course we have the ghost employees. These people show up out of the blue for positions that had never before existed, much less been posted, work in the Springfield offices a few days a week for a month or two and then are never seen again. You know there is a problem when your CIO sends out an email to Chicago employees reminding them that if they sign out as "WORKING IN SPRINGFIELD" they must report to their office in Springfield and that they could not sign out a week at a time. Timesheets were to be filled in EACH DAY. But by far, my favorite is the 60 or 75 day "EMERGENCY" contract. These contracts allow an agency to bring in a former employee or outsider who it has been determined possesses the "unique skills" needed on a temp basis. These contracts allow someone to receive FULL pay for the day if they work as LITTLE as an hour that day and in addition, still continue to receive their STATE PENSION.
Steve Brown
· 11 months ago
Rich might still be snoozin, so I'll help him out The following has been sent to all House members
MICHAEL J. MADIGAN ROOM 300 SPEAKER STATE HOUSE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706
Memorandum January 7, 2009
To: All House Members
From: Speaker Michael J. Madigan
Re: House Special Investigative Committee
The House Special Investigative Committee will have a proposed report available for review on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 9 a.m.
For House Members, a printed copy of the proposed report will be delivered to your Springfield legislative office by 9 a.m.
For the public, the proposed report will be available via the web at www.ilga.gov.
Maggie
· 11 months ago
To 32RV - You need to focus a little better. This impeachment started with Blago trying to sell this very senate seat. If this isn't pertinent to the impeachment case then it is all just show. Of which I'm beginning to believe. Looks like he has already gotten away with seating Burris. What would make anyone here think the Democrat Illinois legislature would have anymore testicular virility than the U.S. Senate. It's all a big SHAM.
Maggie
· 11 months ago
Does anyone else think Obama made the call to the Illinois Democrat legislature to go easy on Burris ? The Republicans will do nothing because they are so stupid they think Burris will be easier to beat. Yeah right. Like the Illinois voters have the attention span to remember any of this in 2 years. It's a blue state you fools.
All Comments
Currie just said Blago's lawyers were invited to today's hearing but declined to attend.
As you watch the live coverage, you can play Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon
...and it works.
"Us and Them"...
"I mean, they're not gonna kill ya, so if you give 'em a quick short, sharp, shock, they won't do it again. Dig it? I mean he got off lightly, 'cause I would've given him a thrashing, I only hit him once. It was only a difference of opinion, but really, I mean good manners don't cost nothing do they, eh?"
They backdated employee's start dates so that they can accrue more vacation days?
This is the same governor who flew to Springfield to reiterate before the Press a list of retired public employees who received vacation days in a way Blagojevich said was improper!
But his adminstration is jacking with vacation days for the "right" people?
Bums!
What Mr. Lang describes in the report about IDES is mirror to Corrections regarding hiring rutan excempt, veteran, etc. Mr. Bost in questions to Mr. Lang asked if the report contained other Departments...
I hope the US Attorney for Southern Illinois is monitoring also.
OEIG is still trying to define "Ethics". What a joke.
or...
"Rep. Black wears Old Spice every Wednesday"
It would make things a whole lot more interesting!
It is easy to rail against it when you keep those pesky details under wraps.
"These impeachment proceedings brought to you by...Vidal Sassoon Ultra Firm Hair Spray. Rod's Favorite!"
If any of "Daley's guys" are reading this, I'm sure they've started looking for advertisers for next months city council hearings.
Let's demand that they start scrolling their major campaign contributors!
I'm looking at the GA page but don't see a download of the report.
Where can we find the ethics committee report read by Rep. Lang? I was trying to take notes, but my jaw kept dropping and I found myslef staring at the screen. I shoulda popped some popcorn.
http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/Reports.as...
Trib link to Z Scott's report.
If you start on page 17, I believe you will see Michael Zalewski prominently featured in his role assisting the Governor's patronage machine.
I am pretty sure he's the same guy who is not State Rep. Elect Mike Zalweski
http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/Documents/...
I'm pretty sure the same Zalewski in the report is about to become the State Representative from the 21st district.
Il Pundit, I believe you are on the money. Let's see: this Zalewski works for Cini, so it is clearly someone who has clout... Rep. Zalewski's (he already was sworn in--taking the place of Bob Molaro) father is alderman in the Chicago's 23rd Ward, so he meets the clout critieria. Lipinski and Ald. Zalewski are longtime allies of Rod Blagojevich. And, how many Mike Zalewski's are there in the world?
Yep, survey says: it is Rep. Mike Zalewski mentioned in the report.
Can you confirm this, Rich? If so, the Representative may be called to testify in front of the committee.
I voted to elect you and I am also in the 5th District so will be voting the special election. Since the US Senate has wimped out, I am looking to you to grill, and I mean GRILL, Burris tomorrow about all his improprieties, his partner getting Patty a job, his donations to RRB's campaign, etc., so that you can show the US Senate that there were improprieties with RRB appointing him to the Senate. Use the skills you learned in at NU law school. The voters are watching.
Put the fire to this guy and make him answer questions. Like how many state contracts his family has gotten from Blagojevich ? I just can't believe they are going to seat this clown.
Illinois Held Hostage: Day 29.
Page four of the PDF (or page 1 of the report):
"The OEIG found that in many of the reported cases, the HR Department of IDES, in conjunction with individuals in the Governor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs ("GOIA"), manipulated titles, credentials, positions, position location, or other criteria to fit candidates sponsored by GOIA into positions at IDES without following State law or normal State hiring protocol. This task was accomplished throught the use of mechanisms designed to avoid veterans' preference hiring in non-exempt positions as well as through the creation of positions, titles and job responsibilities."
Last two sentences on page 12 of the PDF (or page 9 of the report):
"In regards to the hiring concerns voiced by [Tim] Walker, Cini told Walker that GOIA needed to place people in positions for which they have no experience, and they "can be dealt with later." Cini also said that the Governor's Office determines the hiring process, not the agency (in this case, IDES)."
End quotes.
Walker was apparently doing the job of hiring the way he thought best for IDES. Can't have that, so they later found a way to get rid of Walker.
BUY: Illinois Republican Party shares for 2010.
That guy was the biggest blowhard I ever met. In my only direct conversation with him, he tried to pretend he was thisclose to the Governor. Several things he said made it immediately apparent that he was full of it.
I don't know why he would want to appear to be buddy-buddy with Blago. That simply escapes me! LOL
According to Novak in the Bright One:
{“CCIL finds itself in a very precarious financial situation,†McIntyre wrote. “For the first time in our history we are facing a possible bankruptcy. . . We love our new facility, and all the energy-saving features of this building have allowed us to keep our operating expenses reasonable, but the overwhelming debt has left us weakened financially.â€
Since it left Greektown, the charity now serves fewer homeless people, struggles to pay its bills and has gotten permission from its lenders to delay payments on the money it owes.}
How can the state be renegotiating the loan terms with an agency that owes it $10.8 million and is struggling to pay its debt, while at the same time employing the Governor's wife for $100,000.
That would sure seem to be an ethical conflict of interest; wouldn't it? Which agency is it that lent them the money?
The following has been sent to all House members
MICHAEL J. MADIGAN ROOM 300
SPEAKER STATE HOUSE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706
Memorandum January 7, 2009
To: All House Members
From: Speaker Michael J. Madigan
Re: House Special Investigative Committee
The House Special Investigative Committee will have a proposed report available for review on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 9 a.m.
For House Members, a printed copy of the proposed report will be delivered to your Springfield legislative office by 9 a.m.
For the public, the proposed report will be available via the web at www.ilga.gov.
Looks like he has already gotten away with seating Burris. What would make anyone here think the Democrat Illinois legislature would have anymore testicular virility than the U.S. Senate. It's all a big SHAM.