Embarrassing Moment?

All the questions have been so serious. What was your most embarrassing moment as a legislator?

Abbie Evenson
Centerville

In one of my first general session meetings, I raised my right arm to the square instead of placing my right hand over my heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. What makes this more embarrassing is the fact that I sit on the front row. It must have been freshman jitters.

Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator, District 9



That's a loaded question. The answer is: when I answered this exact same question in a public meeting!

Dan Eastman
Senate Majority Whip





One of my personal "moments" occurred during a floor debate on a tough bill I was sponsoring. We had debated for over an hour and it was going to be a close vote. After finishing summation, I sat down for the vote count. Many Senators were explaining their vote, so it was taking a long time. I was called away from the floor by a Legislative Staff member for "just a moment" . . . And I missed the vote on my own Bill! Luckily, it passed without my vote and the body let me cast a late affirmative vote on my Bill (after a sound ribbing...).

John L. Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate