On a much needed rest day, I made a road trip to the state capitol and spent a few hours watching Ms. Jessica Sena aka "The Mexican Tornado" do her thing as the Senate Majority Communications Aide.  I hadn't been to the capitol since a grade school field trip back in the late 70's or maybe early 80's.  The building is as regal and elegant as I had remembered, and made me again appreciate the highest level of government we have for our state.  I spend so much time in Choteau and inside the four walls of my house or the gym that I don't get a chance to see what goes on in "big" business or the world of government.  Ms. Sena gave me an insider's tour of the building and introduced me to many of the officials (elected or otherwise) who work there.  Although I'm sure I didn't get a true sense for the drama that occurs on a daily basis, I did see how there is a high volume of activity in the 90 days that the legislature is in session.  Ms. Sena seems to fit right in.

Everyone I met commented on how valuable Ms. Sena is to the majority leader's office.  It's no surprise...we knew that when she left Choteau for Helena, they would benefit greatly from her enthusiasm for getting things done and her vigor in doing so.  She states that she's very happy as she makes her initial foray as a political operative, and is looking forward to her next opportunity in politics and government.

You still have a few weeks left before the 2011 legislative session ends here in Montana.  Ms. Sena will be returning to Choteau at the end of the session to join us for our daily offerings of pain and suffering in the gym, and I'm sure we'll hear many of the stories that come from debates over wolves, marijuana and budgets, but it's a heckuvalot of fun to experience it first hand.   If you have an opportunity to get to Helena, be sure to let Ms. Sena know...she'd be delighted to have more visitors.

It may appear that the back row of the Senate chambers may
be a good place to catch a snooze, but I assure you, Ms. Sena
is wide awake and not missing a bit as she monitors the activity
 during a debate over the repeal of medical marijuana.