Shea Andersen: At the Roundhouse

Them late nights

We're cranking into the wee hours these days. Last night the House took every second of its allotted three hours to debate tax cuts/tax hikes before ultimately passing the measure on a tight 34-32 vote.

That vote came after a flurry of Democrat smackdowns of various Republican amendment attempts, with votes like 38-27.

Then, when the final vote came, some oil-patch Democrats crossed over to vote with Republicans against a range of oil and gas industry tax hikes that are designed to offset the income tax cuts.

Those D's:
Rep. Don Whitaker, Eunice
Rep. Joe Stell, Carlsbad
Rep. John Heaton, Carlsbad
Rep. Ray Begaye, Shiprock

Already the House seemed weary; Rep. Rick Miera, acting as speaker so House Speaker Ben Lujan could present the bill, looked like he was napping in his chair when he got back to the floor.

Frustration was everywhere, but only Rep. Eric Youngberg seemed ready to take drastic measures. Seems Youngberg is undergoing physical therapy for a knee injury; part of this requires mild electric pulses delivered to his knee via four electrodes.

But last night Youngberg seemed about to crack; as Rep. Dan Foley began to strenuously debate, Youngberg began sticking the things to his forehead and was about to press the button when he was rescued by Rep. Justine Fox-Young.

So imagine my mild panic when, at 9 p.m. or so last night, Rep. Al Park prepared me for yet another bombshell: they might also be debating statewide pre-k over there before the night was through.

As is done so often on the House floor, may I thank Speaker Lujan for opting to hold that little gem over until today.

Posted by sandersen at March 16, 2005 10:52 AM