Lawmakers will spend 22 days in Lansing the rest of 2012

"Traditionally, don't spend a lot of time here in election cycles.  That goes back to the seventies when I first came into the legislature," said former House Speaker Lew Dodak.

Between now and the end of this year, lawmakers will be in Lansing for 22 days.

"I think that's ridiculous," said Brenda Reeber.  "There's an obligation to do your job, not to look to get in the next one."

"I think it looks fine," said Rep. Chuck Moss.  "There are people who don't want us here at all."

Representative Fred Durhal, a veteran Detroit lawmaker, believes that stories like this one are a cheap shot.

"I think so.  A representative works literally 24/7."

Does he think his people are happy that he's running on their dime?

"I think they are," he replied.  "This is tradition."

Republican Senator Roger Kahn contended it is unfair to look only at the workload in Lansing.

"We have more to do and do more for our people than be here in session in Lansing."

In other words, it's not just about the 22 days in the state's capitol.

"No, it is not."

Lawmakers are now off until September 11.