READY FOR PRIME TIME

Rep. Dan Gibbs' colleagues dressed him up in a fedora and a leather valise Monday in honor of his testifying before a congressional committee today.

The send-off was billed as "Mr. Gibbs goes to Washington," a play on Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, (photo inset on movie cover) is the sponsor of a bill that aims to minimize effects on wildlife as a result of oil and gas drilling. He has been asked to testify before Congress, which is looking at using his bill as a foundation for federal legislation.

'SO DAD, SHOULD I CARRY A WALLET IN MY HUGGIES?'

"Hmm, I think we have to talk about that."

Rep. Joe Rice D-Littleton, (photo inset on Huggies diapers bag) having fun when he noticed his 20-month-old son, Dalton, carrying his mother's purse while playing on the side of the House floor Monday

I SAID BILLS - NOT PILLS

• On the floor: Being in the Senate or House chambers.

Rep. Cheri Jahn, D-Wheat Ridge, runs a housekeeping business. The other day she alarmed one of her workers when she said that she hadn't been to return her call because she had been "on the floor" all day. The worker thought Jahn had become ill.

WELL, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME

A reporter knelt down during a lengthy House Judiciary Committee hearing to allow a photographer to get a clear shot of the action.

"There's no praying in the committee rooms," joked Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood.