1 minute ago 2009-12-26T18:59:03-08:00
Al Franken is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee! And after just a week in office! "The quickest rise of any senator in history," reported the lead Republican, Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama.
Kidding.
The Minnesota Democrat switched seats for a moment with Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the real chairman of the panel, when Leahy's microphone briefly went out. What followed was a classic confirmation-hearing absurdity worthy of Franken's alma mater, "Saturday Night Live."
First, Leahy called the hearing back to order after a break. But from his chair at the head of the dais, he began reading an opening statement -- into a dead microphone. Here's what the TV audience could n't hear:
Leahy: "It's off? It says 'on.' Jeff, does yours work?"
"One, two three," Sessions said into his microphone -- also dead.
Sen. Herb Kohl, who rarely uses his microphone anyway, tapped away at the useless instrument on his desk.
Suddenly, a familiar voice showered upon the audience over the sound system. "I think mine works," Franken said, lobbying a generous offer to the chairman with all the seniority Franken lacks. "I'll change places with you."
Leahy demurred. "The chairman doesn't get paid anything extra," he said. Then he reconsidered. "Al, I'll use yours," Leahy said, walking to the junior end of the dais. He sat. He spoke -- and Franken's microphone didn't work.
Meanwhile, Franken was reconsidering his seat at the helm of the panel. "I shouldn't do this," Franken said, getting up. "No, stay right there," Leahy ordered.
Franken defied him and sought out another seat until the microphones got fixed.
-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
