Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Politics / Woods Thelma Harper Throws Hissy Fit Over Office Space
Posted by Jeff Woods on Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Our very own Thelma Harper is renowned for her petulance, but even Senate Democrats were a little taken aback by the tirade she threw over office space. Strengthened by their November election victories, Republicans are forcing Democrats to move out of their offices in the Legislative Plaza to less convenient quarters in the War Memorial building. When Senate Democrats met last week to decide who goes where, Harper went ballistic, insiders tell Pith.
"We were doing it on a seniority basis," one source says. "When it was her time to pick an office, a couple of her choices were already gone. She was expressing a great deal of frustration about the way the process was working. We were all just trying to pick an office and get on out of there. Thelma's frustration required that she vent for quite a long time. "
"Thelma, just pick a damn office," one senator complained. Senate Democratic leader Jim Kyle finally found a way to placate Harper. "Thelma," Kyle said, "you can have my office."
"She's going to have an abundance of space and a beautiful place now," says a source. "The leader's office has extra space for staff, so it's a preferred office. She's happy now." And if Harper's happy, Pith in the Wind is happy.
Comments (2)
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OK, as a former Senate staffer, why does a legislator in the minority party who is not chairing a committee or in leadership need an office with extra space? She needs a secretary and that is all. Hell, all but 5 of the offices on the third floor have an extra office. She has more seniority than at least half the Democrats. If she is keeping extra staff it is a complete waste of money. I am a Democrat, but Thelma needs to get over herself. At least Jim Kyle actually manages to pass legislation occasionally.
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I have always considered Thelma Harper somewhat of a side show. She seems to be more concerned with her hat matching her dress. My favorite performance by her was when she endorsed Hillary Clinton. She really put on a show then. What has she done for the people in the district that she represents?
