Longtime Rep. Francis Brooks takes charge of the Statehouse tomorrow, in his new role as sergeant-at-arms. Friday, the second day of his new job, war critic Cindy Sheehan comes to visit, which is to say Brooks gets a full 24 hours to get comfortable on the job before managing a crowd.
Brooks, an outwardly calm and inwardly spiritual man, is looking to the heavans. A snowstorm is possible Friday, and it would suit him fine if it turned into a dandy. Of course, it's hard to imagine Brooks having a hard time keeping the peace. He did, after all, teach high school for many years.
Speaking of Sheehan's visit, Sen. Vince Illuzzi, whose committee is hosting her noontime Friday visit, was having trouble finding someone to offer the counterpoint to her points against the war. He said Tuesday afternoon, though, that the American Legion was planning to do it.
- Terri Hallenbeck