Senator pokes fun at colleagues with parody

The Senate took time out from official business on Thursday to hear a command performance by Sen. Dan Liljenquist, R-Bountiful, of "Senate Man," a parody sung to the tune of the Billy Joel's classic "Piano Man."

It was a reprise of a performance Liljenquist gave at the recent Davis County Lincoln Day dinner, which Sen. Jon Greiner, R-Ogden, described as "truly inspirational."

With his wife Brooke watching, Liljenquist took to the podium and poked fun at a handful of Republican senators.

"John Valentine is a friend of mine," Liljenquist sang about the former Senate president from Orem. "He edits my bills for free. He's quick with a tip or a really good quip, but there's someplace that he'd rather be. He says, 'Dan I believe this is killing me,' as the smile ran away from his face. 'For I'm sure that I could be the governor if I could get out of this place.' "

He also sang about Executive Appropriations Co-Chair Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, "cutting jobs with his highlighter pen" and Sens. Jon Greiner, R-Ogden, and Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, "debating a bill for the sake of it, but it's better than debating alone."

When he was done, everyone on the floor and in the gallery gave Liljenquist a standing ovation. Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake, quipped that it "sounds like Republicans do have some fun in their caucuses" and Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, said, "I'm sure it's being replayed on YouTube already."

— David Servatius