The Senate has been saying its goodbyes, including emotional farewells from the longest-serving Idaho senator ever, Sen. Denton Darrington, R-Declo; from Sen. John Andreason, R-Boise; Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle; Sen. Diane Bilyeu, D-Pocatello; Sen. Shirley McKague, R-Meridian; Sen. Edgar Malepeai, D-Pocatello; and Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise; and more. When Lt. Gov. Brad Little asked if there were "any more announcements," Sen. Tim Corder, R-Mountain Home, turned with a grin and pointed at Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, saying, "It's your turn, Bert." There was laughter; the two will face off in the GOP primary this year after redistricting landed them in the same legislative district.

LeFavour, Idaho's only openly gay lawmaker, told the Senate, "I know I'm not the first gay person to serve here. I think we all know that. Maybe I'm the first one to feel safe enough to be honest about who I am."

Darrington said, "The Senate has been my life for 30 years. ... I think when you take on the responsibility, I think you take it all on. That's been my creed."