SIGN LANGUAGE--Sen. Eric Fingerhut, D-Cleveland, gestures as he speaks with Sen. Robert Cupp, R-Lima, prior to session, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

LEADERS HUDDLE--Senate Minority Leader Rhine McLin, D-Dayton, gestures as she confers with Senate President Richard Finan, R-Cincinnati, left, during session, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000. On the right is Sen. Leigh Herington, D-Kent. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

LEVEL PAYING FIELD--Sen. Louis Blessing, R-Cincinnati, gestures as he speaks in support of the legislative pay increase, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)