Legislative prank becomes Internet sensation

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - April 13, 2011 (WPVI) -- Who says government has to be boring?

A dozen state lawmakers in Oregon are convinced it doesn't need to be. They slipped the lyrics to Rick Astley's 1987 hit "Never Gonna Give You Up" into their speeches on the House floor last year. And they did it right under the noses of colleagues, journalists, lobbyists, staff and the public.

The video was released on April Fool's Day and went viral this week, attracting more than 780,000 views and comments from fans cheering the politicians eager to have a little fun while doing the people's business.

The mastermind is Rep. Jefferson Smith, a 37-year old Portland Democrat who says he wants to drive people to politics instead of driving them away with partisan venom.

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