OK, I had to begin by getting it out of my system.

Let's start with the easy stuff.

As Tom Monahan reported Thursday, one state senator is refusing to join fellow Democrats in overriding Governor Rell's veto of the state bonding package.

Joan Hartley says the Democratic leadership (Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams) has threatened to remove her as chair of the Higher Education Committee, take away her office at the Capitol, and take away her parking space.

None of the Democrats will discuss the Hartley issue on camera, calling it a "caucus issue."

Kind of like "keeping it in the family."

Like which family, the Sopranos?

And then, there's the reaction to the story everyone is talking about.

The convicted rapist, who is being released to his sister's home in Southbury, after serving 24 years in prison.

From the local politicians up to the Governor, there was a concerted and understandable effort to keep David Pollitt anywhere but Southbury.

BUT WHERE? Glastonbury? Avon? Maybe Woodbridge or Stonington?

Be honest. This story might be a non-starter if this guy were to be moved to Bridgeport, Waterbury or Hartford.

But a comfortable suburb? Uh-uh.

Even State Representative Arthur O'Neill (R-Southbury), normally a voice of reason, was trying to come up with state money...YOUR MONEY...to find the guy an apartment!

The Waterbury Republican-American quoted him as saying, "We've got a $16 billion dollar budget. I'm sure we can find $500 or $1,000 a month for an apartment."

Would I want Pollitt as my neighbor in MY comfortable suburb?

It's obviously a difficult subject with no easy answer.

Right now, the guy needs a home, and (to the great dismay of neighbors) his sister is offering one.

As Governor Rell and Attorney General Blumenthal were reminded by Judge Susan Handy late Thursday afternoon, the man has served his sentence and is entitled to his freedom.