It was outrageous when it cost $900,000. But guess what? It actually cost $1,470,000, and Joe “I want a bodyguard” Chapman is already living in it.

How does a project $600,000 over budget even get finished? Did the construction company lick its lips and forge ahead, assuming that the legislature would cave? Or did Joe Chapman raid NDSU’s general fund to make ends meet?

Either way, Joe Chapman seems to be able to get away with just about anything he wants, including firing his own boss. Don’t count on the State Board of Higher Education doing anything that might indicate the presence of a spine on Thursday.