Former longtime Sen. Laird Noh was in the midst of his testimony on the Nez Perce water rights agreement when Senate State Affairs Chairman Don Burtenshaw, R-Terreton, cut him off – his three minutes were up.

“Y’know, I’ve always wanted to do that,” Burtenshaw said to laughter.

“Mr. Chairman, I’ve never wanted to be caught,” Noh responded.

Several senators then had questions for Noh, who as the longtime Senate Resources chairman helped negotiate the agreement. Then it was Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett’s turn. “You played a key role in getting us to this point, and I want to ask whatever question is necessary to allow you to finish your testimony,” Stennett said.

Noh took the hint, and did so.

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