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"They have always been responsive and thorough," Stam said.

Except for requests from House and Senate leaders, questions from other legislators are generally answered in the order they are submitted, Sullivan said. If there's something that can be dispatched quickly, though, the researcher won't hold up the answer while working on a request that takes more time.

A lawyer's lawyer

When Sullivan started in the early '70s, he worked on every kind of law, from ethics to state budgets. He is the keeper of knowledge about the formalities of passing laws that have been handed down over decades. And he's been an important adviser to other legislative staff.

"When I had a legal question, he was often my first stop," said James D. Johnson, a former director of fiscal research. "He's kind of a lawyer's lawyer in that regard."

And a researcher's researcher.

"I'm fascinated with all sorts of things," Sullivan said. "If I get a train of thought, I'll pursue it."

He'll scour dictionaries looking for just the right word.

It took six months of checking around to find a contractor to renovate his kitchen.

He's traveling to India next month. "I thought it would be a nice, big, bracing slap in the face," he said. "It's totally different from anything Western."

But he will be prepared. He's reading two travel guides and a nonfiction book about India.

Members of the research staff say Sullivan is a supportive boss who encourages them to explore all angles of a problem.

"He empowers us to be forthcoming with members and committees," said Walker Reagan, staff attorney in the research division. "He gives you independence to do your job."

Sullivan is ready for a change of scene and said he doesn't have major plans for retirement besides traveling.

"What I need to do is sit back, clear my mind," he said. "I think India may help do that."

Sullivan's wife, Marguerite, said she doesn't worry that he'll get bored: "He has a lot of interests, and he's going to see how it goes for six months."

Sullivan said he would eventually like to get back into public service. He doesn't know exactly what he'd do. One thing is certain -- he won't run for office.

"I'm in awe of people who can do that," he said. "I'm a private individual, and I know my limitations. And that's one of them."

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