It's a brand new season on "Desperate Lawmakers"!

Just one big happy family today in Lansing...

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Lawmakers took their oaths of office on Wednesday surrounded by applauding friends and family members in a celebratory mood at the Capitol as the 2007-08 session got under way.

Despite the high spirits, there was no escaping the sobering talk about the state's struggling economy and budget challenges, which are expected to dominate the 94th Legislature.

Sometimes I blog these things just so I have them handy later. Opening statements-

"We are all going to hold each other accountable, and day by day we are going to make Michigan the state we know it can be," Dillon said in his first address as speaker.

Dillon's formal nomination as speaker was seconded by former Speaker Craig DeRoche, R-Novi, now the minority leader.

"Today has always been a day to celebrate with friends and family, no matter our party or philosophical stripes," DeRoche said. "And it is in that spirit that I am proud to present a united front for the people of this state - that this body, its members and its leaders, are ready to work together to get our state back on track."

Now Craig is ready to "work together". OK. Let's hold him to that, shall we?

From the Senate side- < cue ominous music >

Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, acknowledged political differences among lawmakers, but said it will take both Republicans and Democrats to address the major issues facing Michigan.

"The reality is that no one ideology can resolve our state's great challenges," Bishop said in a speech. "Our challenges are great - so great in fact that might be the understatement of the year. And the people of this state demand strong leadership to confront these challenges, now more than ever."

What season premiere would be complete without a little drama?

The House took extra security measures Wednesday because of threats and what appeared to be attempts to extort money that some GOP House members got in their e-mail. The matter was referred to the state police for investigation.

Once again, someone with HBO MIRS is going to have to fill me in.

*sigh* Us po' folk that can't afford the fancy "pay news" just can't keep up.