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Subscribe to RSSWhile the mood may be icy when it comes to political sparring in Washington, there was a warm bit of good cheer in the U.S. Senate. Minnesota's Sen. Al Franken, inspired by an old grade school tradition from his childhood, organized a Secret Santa gift exchange again this year. The parties regularly tangle over government spending, but the senators did agree to a $10 spending cap for gifts.
Aides say a bipartisan group of 60 senators participated by picking names, mostly across the aisle, keeping those identities secret and then delivering small presents at a gathering over eggnog and seasonal treats Monday night.
Frank Fey / U.S. Senate Photographic Studio
Sen. Al Franken, right, speaks with colleagues during the gift exchange.
Not just any fruitcake was served -- the Senate kitchen began making fruitcake a few months ago, giving the brandy enough time to soak the cake. Due to fog that delayed some flights and therefore postponed Senate votes, some members were not able to attend the Monday party but were spotted exchanging wrapped gifts on the Senate floor late Tuesday.
Among the gifts given and received:
- Sen. Franken received a VHS copy of the movie "Tunnel Vision" and a DVD of "Harvard Beats Yale 29-29" from Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barasso.
- Franken, in turn, gave Arkansas Republican Sen. John Boozman a mahnomin porridge kit from Hell's Kitchen, a popular restaurant in Minneapolis. Sen. Franken serves that breakfast porridge at his weekly breakfast with constituents.
- Florida Republican Marco Rubio gave Godiva chocolates to Delaware Democrat Chris Coons.
- North Carolina Democrat Kay Hagan gave her state's famed peanuts to fellow Democrat Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.
- New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte gave Hagan a book, "1,001 Gardens you Should See Before You Die."
- Wyoming's Mike Enzi, R-WI, gave Virginia Democrat Mark Warner a George Washington University T-shirt and a book on bicycling. Aides say Enzi "refrained from getting him a book on freestyle BMX tricks because of the safety issues Sen. Enzi works on."
- Alaska Democrat Mark Begich presented a cookbook and wine from his home state to Missouri's Claire McCaskill.
- Nebraska Republican Mike Johanns gave Nebraska wine to Florida Democrat Bill Nelson.
- Johanns received a shirt for his undergraduate alma mater, St. Mary's University, from Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar.
- Montana Democrat Jon Tester gave home state chocolates to Ohio Republican Rob Portman.
- Portman gave Louisiana's Mary Landrieu a Cincinnati favorite, Graeter's Buckeye Blitz ice cream.
- Arkansas Republican John Boozman gave Georgia's Saxby Chambliss Mason jar wine glasses.
In 2011, the participation was a bit better, with 62 senators exchanging gifts. This year, with much year-end business left to complete, senators may spend more of the holiday season together as the “fiscal cliff” looms.
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So, maybe a corny gift, eggnog and some heavily booze laced fruitcake is what is needed in order to get these people in a happy mood and do some friggin' work! Did Boehner have triple helpings of the fruit cake?
I like Al Frank Franken. As my Grandma used to say, "He's a good egg"!
No, Elf Franken is not an elf, Franken-stein is a former profanity-laden radio personality-turned-Senator.
Santa is in the hearts of Demorats.
Satan is in the hearts of some RepubliCONs.
Santa and Satan both use the same letters, but mean totally different things. Both Democrats and RepubliCONs are in Congress, but represent different ideas to the people.
Pithy. Tough to refute that.
Correction to #1.1
.
Santa is in the hearts of DemoCrats. (correction made on this line here - sorry)
Satan is in the hearts of some RepubliCONs.
AlaskaGirl ...
I've a client that calls me a good egg about once a month!
Too funny! By the way, I think you're a good egg as well! :)
Okay, now let's exchange gifts between congress and the middle class - you (congress) get a few things done in D.C. for the middle class and we (middle class) might consider letting you stay in office one more term.
Cheers!
what gifts they exchanged?
GOP got more corporate campaign money and hug;
the Dems got Gov. Snyder the Scrooge's 'humbug'?
My rib friends (lib friends), don't get me wrong. I agree with AlaskaGirl in her #1 comment.
...but that's what radio personalities usually do...and that's what they do to become famous. I hope Franken would do more of the same as a senator to his RepubliCON counterparts. But I know that behind closed doors, these senators, liberal and conservative, are often on good terms, often bipartisan...for the good of the country.
Pigotry, can't you let the cynicism go for even one short moment? Please!?
Al Franken was also one of the writers on Saturday Night Live with the original cast. Waaay back when. He's a great guy.
Don't love the irony in the news - let's see...
1.
Yeah I thought Tunnel Vision was a bit of a jab gift. Although giving a VHS tape is a great analogy to living in the past which Republicans seem to love to do. Does anybody even use VHS tapes anymore? I mean seriously VHS?(I'm actually joking on that. My landlord has an extensive collection of VHS tapes and just a handful of DVD's)
It warmed the cockles of my heart. Good going Sen. Franken.
Seems to me that if Al Franken can be a good senator, so should Stephen Colbert.
They are all fruitcakes.
I heard he was giving B-Jobs for gifts.
Awww, thanks, LAYTON! Right back atcha!
How delightful! It's nice to hear that our Senators ARE actually human!
Some of those gifts were extremely smart and in very good taste!
Happy Holidays Senators!
For all those comments about the "fiscal cliff" -- This is the Senate, not the House of Representatives.
The fight over the "fiscal cliff" is going on in the House of Representatives where Eric Cantor and the Teagaggers are (which is controlled by a majority of Republicans), NOT in the Senate (which is controlled by a majority of Democrats).
Seriously - They have time for this?
People are just hanging on, some people are losing their homes, some don't even know where their next meal will come from....and they dedicate time for this?
Actually makes me ill.
Finally, some peace and good will towards men...
GOP grinch is trying to steal Christmas again...the last time the GOP did it was late 1994 when Newtered Grinch became the Speaker of the House.
It is a good sign whenever our elected officials gather together. This is a good first step only if they continue to regard each other as fellow civil servants who have a job to do together.
If they can gather for gifts and refreshments, they can gather together for the good of the country, for We the People (rather than only for your party, Repubs! That turns America into something it is not!).
Pigotry, I've been reading your comments and I just want to wish you a merry Christmas. You sound like you've had such a sad life.
yeah..all pigs end up in slaughter-houses...just sad.
Pigotry ...
The pig commits to the breakfast, the chicken does not. :)
"Nebraska Republican Mike Johanns gave Nebraska wine to Florida Democrat Bill Nelson."
An under $10 bottle of wine from Nebraska? I guess it's the thought that counts. Happy Holidays!
Hey, I didn't even know Nebraska had its own wine! Good for them!
Hold onto whatever you'd like ... but they actually have wineries in UTAH! GASP! ;-)
Layton, where do they get their wine tasters?
Harold ...
ME! :)
Most of the wineries are in Moab and Southern Utah where we have all of our wonderful National treasures ... Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zions, etc. We have a lot of people from other countries that visit with great tastebuds that enjoy the scenery ... and the wine! ;-)
I thought the Moabites were teetotaling Muslims.
Alaska Girl,
Notice as well Mark Begich gave wine from his own state!
Wine geek trivia - grapes are grown and wine made in all 50 states. I have tasted in a lot of wine in many different states (alas, I have not yet tried Alaskan wine). Nebraska specializes in the Edelweiss grape, an import from eastern Europe that seem to grow well in the Husker State. At its best it has a spicy, flowery sweetness, not too bad in this taster's opinion.
Layton, my Utah tasting experience happened at LaCaille near Salt Lake City. Fine restaurant there as well. I agree your state's treasures are treasures indeed. I'm of the opinion pretty much the entire state of Utah ought to be a National Park.
Good to see Congressmen having a bit of fun - now back to work.
Even Missouri has a WINE country! lol we have several vineyards throughout the state.
And you know where the Oak Barrels come from, right?
http://voices.yahoo.com/missouri-leads-world-wine-barrel-production-44246.html
Best Backyard, EVAH!
Clara,
I am a big fan if Missouri wine, especially from the Ozarks. If you are ever anywhere near St. James, seek out Heinrichshaus Winery. It is hard to find, but well worth it. Especially if Heinrich is in, what a character!
Many French vineyards were restored with Missouri root stock after the phylloxera disaster of the late 19th century. America saves the day! Of course, the damnable phylloxera came from America, but let's forget that......
Good grief there's a lot of State History out there! All interesting! Utah, Missouri, Nebraska! Makes me feel all warm inside.
I think Senators who gave other Senators a gift from their home State would be quite a luxury to receive!
That person will never forget who gave him/her that bottle of wine, and exactly which Senator it was and where they were from.
Great gift ideas coming from the Senators!
I just got the Christmas Spirit! What a tickle!
Mark, I LIVE here and I have never had Alaskan wine, but I did know that we have it here. Have you tried our Alaskan Brew Ales? They are mighty tasty. My fav is the Summer Ale. If you do live in SoCal, I believe you would be able to find it. Great labels as well! I have a brother that lives on the central coast and he likes their summer ale as well.
"Nebraska Republican Mike Johanns gave Nebraska wine to Florida Democrat Bill Nelson."
=====================
I'm not certain that was wine
Nelson '... bottle seems warm, funny smell...Mike, where did you say this wine was from again?'
Johanns (looking winded and nervous) '...how's the uhhhh, good stuff?'
Mark,
Thanks for the kind words regarding the State. Sure, we have some really stupid laws and some weird religions floating around, but the beauty of the State from the resorts to Zions is amazing.
My grandfather on one side was from Southern Cal ... used to LOVE visiting him.
The other grandparents lived in Alaska! (never got to visit them but would have loved to!)
Kinda nice to post random good stuff now and then!
American Girl ...
Made me smile!
Senator El Franken is a good Senator, but his GOP counterpart is both an alf and frankenstein.
Not only good enough, but smart enough, and, doggone it, people like him!
Well, of course not - you had to be a member of the Senate!
The trouble with ignorance is that it picks up confidence as it goes along.
- Arnold H. Glasow
;-)
Pretzelogic ...
Best quote of the DAY!!
loved this.
Best Laugh today,...although it's early - I fear it won't be topped!
Good for Al Franken...I always liked the guy!
Screw whatever the comments above. It's nice to have some fun during the holidays.
Not all of them are BAD jonal11 .... Scrooge! ;-)
And if they cannot decide on a mutually acceptable fiscal cliff economic strategy - then it's coal in their stockings for all!
Actually, the best part is that Franken is Jewish - and he is the one trying to spread Christmas cheer.
I wouldn't be surprised if O'Reilly & Fox somehow try to spin this as part of their imaginary "War on Christmas"...
"Jewish Senator attacks capitalism by limiting Christmas gifts to $10..."
Hartvig ....
Made me truly laugh out loud! :)
Hartvig Lein
Best comment and so true!
I kind of thought this was dumb, but it actually was interesting to see the who got what from who, not a typical nicety seen in congress- maybe they should start visiting others states too
Radgast, agreed! It is NICE to see a warm-hearted story about Congress rather than the usual gloom and doom!
Great idea from Franken. Wouldn't it be terrific if the Senate and House could restore the bi-partisan collegiality of years past? Think of what great work they could do together.
Hi, Jack -
they do work together - bipartisan-ly- behind closed door...most of the time. Just like a marriage between a husband and wife, there is and should be constructive tension (the Democrats are the husband, of course). But sometimes it can get out of control, again just like in a marriage - there can be dysfunctional family moment.
.
Do remember to tell your friends not to say 'hi, jack' on your plane trip together. Otherwise, your friends will get plane load of trouble.
Pigotry,
I fear for the children (US) if the parents don't get their @!$%# together and find some common ground. PS. Democrats are most definitely the wife - cuz they are getting @!$%# done. See Nancy Pelosi as Speaker and the number of bills passed!
lol
Love the gift exchange!
yeah... some of the gifts are ... (1) "Tunnel Vision" and (2) cooking tips from Hell's Kitchen.
Don't you love those?? Just kidding...but funny!!! I mean the gifts.
Beautiful job Senator Franken.
While I think the gesture of a "secret Santa" gift is fun, I would have liked to have seen as much thought and planning gone into the fiscal cliff.
I'm all for cancelling Christmas reccess for these guys until they get a resolution!
Suzyq. They already have a resolution, they all agreed on it over a year ago. There should be no new deal. The Republicans are the ones who want a New Deal. Taxes will go up on everyone, and defense cuts will come to fruition. I really cannot think of a better deal than that. Obama should stand his ground and let the so called Fiscal Cliff happen.
Do these guys not grasp the secret part of the Secret Santa? :-D
That's cool.
Get back to work.
Susq,
Good luck with that...
You should also consider this, any resolution, deal, agreement, set of continuing resolutions or other "solutions" will be just another version of the "fiscal cliff". And probably the better the solution, the closer to the cliff it will be in appearance and result.
Now if only they would all give the American people a gift -- compromise and cooperation ....
Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah or Happy Holidays -- whatever you prefer -- to all ....
From the floor of the U.S. Senate: speech about the debt ceiling; important read
I love Franken, too.
...so I guess, the 'fiscal cliff' is a gift Republicans have decided to give Dems and other Americans? Because we know the republicans have played hard-to-get in the whole drama all along and all alone.
Tester Robs Porkman? Hahaha...
...and my funny bone tickles me
...what if Casey is allergic to peanuts?
We need more Senators like Al Franken. It's a new Christmas tradition in the senate, a new senatorial tradition that should continue. Instead they senate should end an old tradition - filibuster.
Am I wasting all the space down here?
Hello? Anybody?
.
I truly like this quiet period when nobody is fighting for a spot here right now.
.
Only me, a pig...still here oinking.
all I want for Christmas is you ... as some Democrats are singing their favorite lyric to Republicans, -
maybe - sometimes, Republicans are the best gift Democrats can hope for...
Hey, Senators, time to end the 'fiscal cliff'