It's Not Every Day A Lawmaker Quotes Homer Simpson

Vermonters rejoiced Tuesday that Springfield, Vt., was voted home to The Simpsons -- at least for the official premier of their cinematic debut. As expected, lawmakers couldn't miss the chance to revel in state pride.

"After 18 years, it's good to finally welcome the Simpsons home," Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy said in a statement. "Vermonters love The Simpsons."

In a statement of his own (forwarded along by The Hill's Jonathan Kaplan), Freshman Rep. Peter Welch said, "Once again, our small state has demonstrated we can lead the nation, leading an improbable underdog grassroots campaign to success.  I can only imagine the thirteen other Springfields, having not seen the true force of Vermont pride coming, are sighing a collective "D'oh!"

Personally, I don't know what they're bragging about; the mayor is corrupt, the police are inept, and it's always on the brink of a nuclear meltdown. I mean, it's certainly no Shelbyville.