How do you haze a radio talk show host? Refuse to talk. In keeping with the time-honored Senate tradition of publicly humiliating freshmen members passing their first bills, Senate members walked out on Sen. Dan Patrick this morning as he was recognized on legislation for the first time.
Usually, freshmen senators must field silly questions and obscure observations about their proposals. No worse torture than silence could have been devised for Patrick, a radio talk show host who thrives on spirited debate.
Patrick, nonplussed, explained — to a near-empty chamber — his proposal to designate a day honoring election workers. Meanwhile, raucuous hilarity emanated from the Senate lounge. Finally, giggling Senate members re-emerged and approved Patrick’s resolution.
What must the visitors in the gallery have thought?
