VansOpinion - CHAMBERS TO PRESIDE IN LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS

Every since Governor Mike Johanns was tapped by President George W. Bush to become the next Secretary of Agriculture, there has been speculation as to who Lt. Governor David Heineman might choose to be his lieutenant governor after he is sworn in as Johanns' successor. Informed sources who wish to remain anonymous have learned the selection has already been made. It will be the senior senator from Omaha - Ernie Chambers.

For over two decades Chambers' colleagues have used every conceivable parliamentary maneuver and trick to silence, stall, bushwack, put-down and derail the Creighton Law School graduate, but "at the end of the day" (or several days) the Doctor of Demonic Demeanor has habitually prevailed.

In the one score and ten years that I have paid attention to the goings on in our unicameral legislature, I can think of only a few who could take on the Omaha Orator on his level of intellect. Few have dared to match their knowledge on subjects religious or secular with probably the "best read" member of "the body" to serve since statehood.

"Infamous Ernie" is about to "term-limit out" of the legislature which he has dominated for so many years. Even those who would perhaps like to see him become a hood ornament on an "eighteen wheeler" secretly admit they will miss Chambers when his time runs out. But, alas, his time might not be about to run out. When the "Chief Admiral" of the Nebraska Navy moves on to Disneyland East (Washington, D.C.) The helm will be turned over to David Heineman to serve the two remaining years of Johanns' term as governor. If Osborne bows out and Heineman decides to run for a full four year term, he might decide to have Chambers as his running mate. That would give Ernie six years in the office which has as one of its primary duties, presiding over the legislature.

Even though the legislature elects its own "Speaker", the "chair" is only relinquished to that person when the lieutenant governor decides to relinquish it. That means, as long as Ernie chooses, as president of the body, he will be able to dish out what he has been served, to every senator who has earned a position on his "fecal roster."

Even if the doctor-coach-congressman decides to run a gubernatorial campaign in two years and if Heineman elects to run as his side-kick thus bumping Chambers, Ernie could run for his old seat in the legislature, which he would win hands down, and have another eight years to work with and work over those who might then be incumbent members of the legislature.

It's a sure bet the legislative galleries will be packed daily with folks who want to witness first hand the way the former barber trims a few egos of those serving in what former lieutenant governor Frank Marsh referred to as "The Cave of the Winds."

If indeed the aforestated is factual we will see 48 folks who work in the big tall building in downtown Lincoln sucking up to Senator "C" more than any have ever before. One might even hear again the voice of the ghost of Senator "Terrible Terry" Carpenter echoing in the halls, "Give ‘em hell Ernie"