With both houses scheduled to reconvene at 3:30 this afternoon Boise time, the clock ticked more than 15 minutes past that with nothing happening. Then, the Senate convened; 33 of the 35 senators are present, and the other two are excused. Majority Leader Chuck Winder made this announcement: “We’re probably going to be hanging around for just a little bit longer. We’re waiting for some word over from the House on what they’re going to do the rest of the afternoon. As soon as we hear from them we’ll let you know, but it’s not my intent to keep you here a whole lot longer, so hopefully they’ll be out and we’ll let you know in the next 15-20 minutes.”

Lt. Gov. Brad Little repeated, thoughtfully, “A whole lot longer…”

And the Senate went at ease.