As the 2008 Iowa legislative session runs nears its conclusion,
lawmakers who are "retiring" (not seeking re-election) are given a
chance to give speeches. In the House, those making such voluntary
exits are given an opportunity to stand at their desk on the House
floor and speak to their colleagues. Representative Clarence Hoffman,
a Republican from Denison, was the first to speak last week and
Hoffman concluded by telling his colleagues he was a glass half full
kind of guy and he was leaving it to those who'll serve in the 2009
legislature to tackle getting that glass full. In the Senate, other
senators get up to say (almost always) nice things about the
soon-to-be-ex senator and then the senator gets to speak. Senator Mary
Lundby, a Republican from Marion, is not seeking re-election after 22
years in the Iowa House & Senate.

Labels: state House, state Senate