The mind reader from Maryland

Martha Johnson, former administrator of the General Services Administration, is no doubt sick of hearing about the over-the-top spending at the 2010 Western Regions Conference, particularly the mind reader who was there.

But she faced another mind reader April 16 on Capitol Hill.

She testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, with a long face, answering questions for nearly two hours. All the while, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the committee’s ranking member, was watching her closely. He was lecturing on the apparent divide between the administrator's office authority and the GSA's regional offices authority, when he stopped and asked:

“Ms. Johnson, am I reading you right? I watch your expressions and this is what it seems like you’re saying, ‘This really just [ticks] me off.’” (He chose an earthier verb.)

Johnson didn’t smile.