As states try to redistrict, recriminationsand fistsfly
During a late-night session of the Illinois senate last week, Mark Rhoads, the honorable member from Western Springs, rose to address Philip Rock, esteemed president of the chamber. "You son of a bitch," Rhoads roared. He thereupon threw aside his red leather chair, ripped the microphone from his desk and stormed toward Rock with all deliberate speed. A colleague, however, stepped in Rhoads' path and slugged him. The pair tussled for several moments before they were pulled apart. It was the first time that violence had...