A look at some of the more lighthearted moments on opening day of the 2011 session:
Newbies roll out unique responses to call of names
Lawmakers traditionally respond “Here” or “Present” during roll call, but there were a couple of exceptions in the House.
Newbie Matt Jones, a Louisville Democrat, hollered, “Back here!” Jones also served in the House from 1987 to 1993.
Another newbie, Dan Pabon, said, “Ready to go!” The north Denver Democrat volunteered on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Supporters would chant back and forth to one another, “Fired up!” and “And ready to go!”
Read all about it?
The original Colorado Constitution was written in 1876. It has changed or been amended more than 100 times since.
From Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp, R-Littleton: “I did think — briefly — of moving a motion to publicly read the Colorado Constitution at the start of the session, but then decided we could not afford to go into the special session that would be required to finish our business if we did that.”
A packed House
Families and friends packed the House. Folding chairs were brought out, but that still wasn’t enough.
“We’re like United Airlines,” said chief sergeant-at-arms John Wallin. “We’re overbooked.”
Decision warmly received
Michael Bender, chief justice of the Supreme Court, swore in the governor and other statewide officials Tuesday and lawmakers Wednesday.
“Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for having this indoors,” Bender said, to laughter.
He repeated the line to the Senate president.
It was 19 degrees during Tuesday’s inaugural events.
A noteworthy rendition
Karen Kataline, a former GOP House candidate, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the House — and even hit those tricky high notes. “It was on my bucket list,” she said.
Welcome to Mangled County
Saguache County gets them every time.
The Senate reader, when noting which counties lawmakers represent, referred twice to “Suh-gucci.” It’s actually pronounced “Sah- watch” or “So-watch,” depending.
The county name comes from the Ute language.
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