ABEL'S NEW LABEL

The always modest Abel Tapia downplayed his induction tonight into the Pueblo Hall of Fame.

Tapia, a Democratic state senator, was quick to point out he's not the only one being honored. Also being inducted is Dr. Edmund Vallejo.

CAPITOL SURPRISE

Speaking of being honored, former Rep. John Witwer, R-Evergreen, was asked to appear at the state Capitol on Thursday to brief lawmakers on health care issues.

The retired radiologist arrived with a stack of documents in hand only to find cake, flowers, balloons and a lot of admirers.

The meeting was a ruse to get Witwer to a party honoring him for his accomplishments in the House and overseeing the state's troubled welfare computer system.

BRAIN DRAIN

"I keep losing my memory. My wife says it's the only way I'm going to die with a clear conscience."

Rep. Jerry Sonneberg R-Sterling, after forgetting a detail about a bill he was working on

THE PRICE OF HONOR

The majority party gets the big offices at the Capitol, which is why Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita, often refers to his little corner of the world as a cellblock.

"You can change all that with a trip to the clerk and recorder's office," Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, advised in a committee hearing Thursday.

Lawmakers howled, but there's little chance that Penry is thinking about changing his voter registration.