A rose by any other name...

Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted and other state legislators today welcomed Michigan state Rep. John C. Stewart, a Republican from Plymouth, Mich., for the singing of the Ohio State University alma-mater, his payback for a friendly wager made by the leaders of the Ohio House and the Michigan House a year ago.

Stewart led the singing of "Carmen Ohio" in recognition of the 2005 Ohio State football win over Michigan, 25-22.

After singing, Stewart was presented with a rose by Husted representing Michigan’s impending trip to the Rose Bowl after what Husted predicted will be another victory for the Buckeyes on Saturday.

"Football is an important part of Ohio’s rich history and tradition," Husted said. "Every time Ohio State plays Michigan it’s a big event and I am thrilled to have Rep. Stewart come down and visit the Statehouse because of Michigan’s loss last year. We look forward to him joining us again next year."

"I want to thank Speaker Jon Husted for the privilege of speaking to the Ohio House of Representatives three days before the greatest rivalry in intercollegiate athletics – the annual football game between the University of Michigan and the Ohio State University," Stewart said. "I commend the two universities for their academic excellence and I have said many times that higher education is the essence of recovery for our economy in Michigan and Ohio."