Because some years ago the senator gave me a commission in this very room.

"I want to say in the strongest way possible that is the worst answer a senator can give."

The senator told the press the time of his speech, but did not give fellow senators much notice.

The Senator threw him a rope and gave the reply.

The senator gave him a few seconds of frosty silence.

"You will secretly pay him the money that the senator gives you."

They say that the senator has not given thought to who might replace him if he manages to win the gubernatorial race next year.

Worse, money does buy such influence; at least it guarantees that a senator will give the contributor a hearing.

Senators also gave final approval to a temporary increase of $72 billion in the limit on the national debt.

They shook their heads in awe and said the senator gives a mighty fine speech.