One weird Wednesday down on the Denver farm ...

It'll be forever known in Illinois political history as the “Denver embrace” or “Madigan's mile-high miracle”, but Republicans back home aren't buying all the shock and awe over Democratic rivals Mike Madigan and Rod Blagojevich hugging.

House Republican leader Tom Cross called after reading of the “hugfest” to say he's not surprised, pointing to Madigan chairing Blagojevich's re-election bid and previous deals among the key Democrats.

I pointed out that a few years ago, he, Madigan and Senate Republican leader Frank Watson of Greenville had formed a political alliance to thwart Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones Jr. Any hugging involved?

“I can't say that I've ever hugged the governor,” said Cross. “Nor have I hugged Madigan, nor have I hugged Emil.”

My reporting mind jumped into action and noticed the omission.

Q: So you've hugged Frank?

A: “Let me be perfectly clear, I have not hugged Frank.”

And you thought the hug was amazing
Here's something that'd never happen in Chicago.
A cabbie pulls up next to a long line of vehicles and politely asks one driver if he can cut in front in order to get in a turn lane.
AND THE DRIVER LETS HIM!!!!

Suburban man won't hug gov
After hugging his political rival, Gov. Blagojevich turned to his media critics. At a news conference after the delegation breakfast (aka: hugfest), Blagojevich singled out Chicago Tribune reporter Rick Pearson of Naperville.
This exchange occurred:
Gov:“Give me a hug man, reconciliation.”
Pearson, declining the invitation: “Nothing personal, just professional."
Gov: “OK, let the record reflect that the governor reached out to the Tribune to give them a hug. God bless Rick Pearson he's just as skeptical and rough and tumble as he always is.”
Pearson: “I appreciate the effort.”

Convention Flashback
2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles:
Joseph Lieberman accepts the Democratic nomination for vice president declaring: “Is America a great country or what?”
That same day, the Chicago Bulls sign Dragan Tarlac, 6-foot10, 260-pound European star. Whether he said it or not, I'm sure he was thinking the same thing as Lieberman.

Tarlac lasted one season, averaging 2.4 points and 2.8 rebounds a game for the $2.5 million he was paid.
Lieberman also didn't stick with his team. He's since left the Democratic Party and is a possible VP pick for Republican John McCain.

Nominee No. 3 in Animal Farm “Obama Theme Song” contest
Beatles: I've got a feeling