Senate ethics rules require that he shutter his medical practice, but Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) isn’t giving up his healer’s instincts so quickly.

During a tense asbestos markup in the Judiciary Committee last week, Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) nixed plans for an unorthodox Friday-morning meeting because both he and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) had doctor’s appointments that conflicted.

“We stay here, and I’ll do ’em both,” cracked the usually stern Coburn.

“You have no idea the feeling that sends through me,” Leahy replied, shuddering slightly as the room burst into laughter. “I’m not about to deliver a baby.”

Coburn, an obstetrician-gynecologist, flashed a smile.

Rohrabacher Baby Watch: triplets are already partying

ITK is happy to report that Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s (R-Calif.) triplets, Christian, Tristen and Annika, who recently turned 1, are faring well out in Southern California.

“They’re healthy. They’re sleeping through the night,” Rohrabacher said. “They are full of love. What more could you want?”

To celebrate their birthday, the triplets, a boy and two girls, had a backyard barbecue at their home in Huntington Beach. According to Rohrabacher’s press secretary, Rebecca Rudman, the babies spent much of the party in baby swings, though all are on the cusp of walking. Rohrabacher called it a “gift from God” that all three are finally able to sleep through the night.

Rep. Thompson slims down

Could it be that the new ranking member for the Homeland Security Committee wants to be ready for his photo ops? Whatever it is, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) is noticeably thinner these days.

“Homeland Security is sexy,” reasons Chief of Staff Lanier Avant. “He has been keeping a busier schedule, and I guess that’s reflected in just his daily schedule, which has been altered significantly since being named ranking member.”

Avant insists Thompson is not on a diet. “No South Beach, no Atkins, no Weight Watchers,” he says, blaming his boss’s weight loss on “increased activity. He’s just running around a lot more. He’s physically out and about in his district, which is a lot of walking, you know, getting up early, staying up later. I’m not a doctor, but I imagine it increases his metabolism.”

Unique low-pay job available in Rep. Maloney’s office

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) is looking to hire a freelance research assistant/writer for her forthcoming book, A Woman’s Guide to Making a Difference: How American Women are Under Attack and How They Can Improve Their Lives, Communities, Workplaces and Country.

The book will examine the status of women in America today. The freelancer would work closely with Maloney and her lead writer to gather and analyze research materials, including polls and surveys, statistics, media articles and broadcasts, and other sources of information relevant to the status of women across American culture.

Time commitment: 10-20 hours a week; could lead to full-time job. Pay is $10 an hour with immediate start date, and project completion is set for early 2006. Work can be done in New York, Washington or another location with telephone and Internet connection. Candidates should send a cover letter, resume and clips to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . For questions, contact Bruce Corwin at 610-346-6712.

Northwestern gets McCain and Durbin for speeches

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will address graduates, parents and guests at Northwestern University’s 147th annual commencement exercises Friday, June 17. He will also receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the ceremony at Ryan Field on the university’s Evanston, Ill., campus.

“Recognized for his independence of thought, John McCain has a long and distinguished career of public service and is a leader in national defense and foreign policy matters,” said University President Henry S. Bienen. “We warmly remember his and Senator [Russ] Feingold’s [D-Wis.] 2001 town hall meeting at Northwestern regarding campaign-finance reform. We are pleased he has accepted our invitation to return, and we look forward to hearing from and honoring him.”

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), meanwhile, delivered the Northwestern Law School commencement speech a few weeks ago. He received no fancy honorary degrees, but there was an interesting guest in the audience — House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.). The Speaker’s son was among the graduates.

 
Edited by Betsy Rothstein
Tips, complaints and sightings:
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Elana Schor contributed to this report.