The Senator's Last Day

Irene Jay Liu: Joseph L. Bruno had wandered off again. Walking through the Albany International Airport, with a crush of staffers, media and well-wishers in tow, Bruno was supposed to be headed toward the observation deck that bears a bust that honors the former Senate majority leader, and now former senator.

Bruno was saying goodbye Friday, the last of many "lasts" over the past few weeks, and he couldn't resist the stares from people at the Colonie airport. He bee-lined toward anyone at all -- airline attendants, passengers, custodial workers, a baby.

Some recognized him, others responded to his greetings with curious looks. He chatted, he shook hands, and before moving on, he introduced himself: "I'm Senator Joe Bruno."

But as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, "everybody calls me Joe," Bruno said.