News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Jones Street: 2005

May 21, 2005 Takaaki Iwabu [/assets/story/image_buynow.comp]
Jon Fitchett, a retired contractor from Fayetteville and now assistant sergeant-at-arms for the Senate, stands at his post outside the chamber entrance. Sergeants-at-arms and their deputies and assistants keep the peace for lawmakers by enforcing a rule that forbids lobbyists from contacting lawmakers for the 15 minutes before a session. Fitchett is one of 38 people who uphold the order and get an inside look at the legislature in the meantime. "I thoroughly enjoy my job, because I get a complete picture of the legislative process working," Fitchett says. The workers -- many retired and working part time -- have diverse backgrounds, from ex-football coach to former minister.

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