I had some errands to run last night on my way to the law enforcement center to hang out with some friends who were on duty. My wife and boys were in bed and I wanted to let the guys know I appreciate them and wish ’em a Merry Christmas. I couldn’t help but satisfy my curiosity and swing by the apartment building that Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan use to claim North Dakota citizenship on paper for re-election purposes. Kent Conrad sold this apartment building to an LLC that he set up for $1 a few years ago, then refinanced it on a sweetheart mortgage deal from Countrywide Financial. Conrad was “cleared” by an ethics committee once the Democrats gained control of it in the 2008 elections and pulled pranks like changing the locks on the hearing room doors to keep Republicans from asking him tough questions. Members of that oversight committee had their own Countrywide problems they wanted to go away, as well.

The two buildings are part of one property. Apartment #1 in the building on the right belongs to Sen. Conrad. It’s the dark set of windows on the left side of the second floor. Apartment #8 in the building on the left belongs to Sen. Dorgan. It’s the dark set of windows on the bottom back corner. It doesn’t look like they’re “home” for Christmas.

I don’t know about Senator Byron “Skybox” Dorgan, but perhaps the Conrads are enjoying the holidays at the million dollar beach home that Sen. Conrad failed to list on his required financial disclosure forms. After all, it would save him the unpleasant possibility of having to face his constituents over his behavior in recent Senate votes.

Then again, maybe they’re so tired from stabbing North Dakotans in the back yesterday by voting for the health care takeover bill that the majority of North Dakotans oppose. That’s tough work, contorting yourself between the carefully crafted image you portray back in North Dakota and the lockstep liberal you really are in Washington, DC!

It’s time to send these guys packing, and throw little Earl Pomeroy out to boot. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!