CAPITOL LETTERS

Flowery speeches and humorous comparisons to Don Corleone - The Godfather - were the first order of business in the Senate today as the chamber elected Sen. John Carona of Dallas as its president pro tempore. Although the post is mostly ceremonial, the number two officer of the Senate is second in line of succession for governor, behind only the lieutenant governor.

Several senators offered seconding speeches for Mr. Carona's nomination as president pro tempore, alternatively offering praise for his standout work as chairman of the Senate tranportation committee this year and joking about his well-known temper and fearlessness in confronting political enemies. Sen. Kim Brimer of Fort Worth described his fellow Republican as a "legislative manhole cover" because of his toughness in getting his bills passed.

"Most of all he reminds me of a manhole cover because he is shaped like one," Mr. Brimer said of the slightly rotund Dallas senator, bringing laughter to the chamber. Mr. Brimer and other senators noted that Mr. Carona's Italian-American heritage raised inevitable comparisons to the main character in one his favorite movies - The Godfather. Noting that Mr. Carona will function as governor when Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst are out of the state, Mr. Brimer said there will be a difference in leadership and style.

"When 'Don' Carona assumes the office of governor, we won't have any trouble collecting the new business tax," Mr. Brimer said. "Collections will be at an all-time high." Added the Fort Worth senator: "John Carona is a real man. You better believe it - or else." And to wrap up his seconding speech: "Please godfather, forgive me for what I say."