Wisconsin democrats leave state to avoid union vote

[regulator 0]

As ever-growing throngs of protesters filled the Capitol for a third day, the 14 Democrats disappeared around midday, just as the Senate was about to begin debating the measure, which would eliminate collective bargaining for most public employees.

They were not in their offices, and aides said they did not know where any of them had gone. Hours later, one member of the group told The Associated Press that they had all left Wisconsin.

"The plan is to try and slow this down because it's an extreme piece of legislation that's tearing this state apart," Sen. Jon Erpenbach said in a telephone interview.

He refused to say where he was, but WTMJ later reported that they had fled to a hotel in Rockford, Ill.

Democrats hoped Republican Gov. Scott Walker and GOP lawmakers would consider revisions to the bill.
Walker, who took office just last month, called on Democrats to return out of respect for the democratic process and the institution of the Legislature.

"Their actions by leaving the state and hiding from voting are disrespectful to the hundreds of thousands of public employees who showed up to work today and the millions of taxpayers they represent," Walker said.

Republicans hold a 19-14 majority in the Senate, but they need at least one Democrat to be present before voting on the bill.

Other lawmakers who fled sent messages over Twitter and issued written statements, but did not disclose their location. Erpenbach said they planned to gather in the same place later Thursday.

In response to a question of where she was, Sen. Lena Taylor sent a tweet saying she was "doing the people's business. Power to the PEOPLE."

As Republicans tried to begin Senate business Thursday, observers in the gallery screamed "Freedom! Democracy! Unions!" Opponents cheered when a legislative leader announced there were not enough senators present to proceed.

"Today they checked out, and I'm not sure where they're at," Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said. "This is the ultimate shutdown, what we're seeing today."

Elsewhere in the Statehouse, Democrats showed up in the state Assembly chamber wearing orange T-shirts that proclaimed their support for working families.

After a routine roll call, Democrats who were leaving the chamber exchanged high-fives with protesters, who cried "thank you" as they walked by. The protesters unleashed venomous boos and screams at Republicans.

Thursday's events were reminiscent of a 2003 dispute in Texas, where Democrats twice fled the state to prevent adoption of a redistricting bill designed to give Republicans more seats in Congress. The bill passed a few months later.

The drama in Wisconsin unfolded in a jam-packed Capitol. Madison police and the State Department of Public Instruction estimated the crowd at 25,000 protesters, the largest number yet.

Demonstrators stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the building's hallways, sat cross-legged across the floor and made it difficult to move from room to room.

Protesters clogged the hallway outside the Senate chamber beating on drums, holding signs deriding Walker and pleading for lawmakers to kill the bill. Some others even demonstrated outside the lawmakers' homes.

The sergeant-at-arms immediately began looking for the missing lawmakers. If he cannot find them, he's authorized to seek help, including potentially contacting police.

Hundreds of teachers called in sick, forcing a number of school districts to cancel classes. Madison schools, the state's second-largest district, with 24,000 students, closed for a second day.

Thousands more people, many of them students from the nearby University of Wisconsin, slept in the rotunda for a second night.

"We are all willing to come to the table, we've have all been willing from day one," said Madison teacher Rita Miller. "But you can't take A, B, C, D and everything we've worked for in one fell swoop."

In addition to eliminating collective-bargaining rights, the legislation also would make public workers pay half the costs of their pensions and at least 12.6 percent of their health care coverage. Their share of pension and health care costs would go up by an average of 8 percent — increases Walker calls "modest" compared with those in the private sector.

Republican leaders said they expected Wisconsin residents would be pleased with the savings the bill would achieve — $30 million by July 1 and $300 million over the next two years to address a $3.6 billion budget shortfall.

"I think the taxpayers will support this idea," Fitzgerald said.

Unions still could represent workers, but could not seek pay increases above those pegged to the Consumer Price Index unless approved by a public referendum. Unions also could not force employees to pay dues and would have to hold annual votes to stay organized.

In exchange for bearing more costs and losing bargaining leverage, public employees were promised no furloughs or layoffs. Walker has threatened to order layoffs of up to 6,000 state workers if the measure does not pass.

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41644074/ns/us_news-life/

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41644074/ns/us_news-life/

I guess they don't like the new version of Obama's quote: "“We don’t mind the Republicans Democrats joining us. They can come for the ride, but they gotta sit in back.”

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[rushmc 23]

'will of the people be damned then I guess'

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[turtlespeed 226]

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'will of the people be damned then I guess'

Only when it is a democrat adgenda - Shove it down their throats - Oh - I mean Run Away Run Away!

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Amazon 7]

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'will of the people be damned then I guess'

Only when it is a democrat adgenda - Shove it down their throats - Oh - I mean Run Away Run Away!

Hey I know its inconvienient.. but wasnt it the cocksuckers of the PARTY OF NO... that would never go for any up or down vote.... as long as they were in the minority the last couple years??

Turnabout is fair play/// SUCK IT UP CUPCAKES

[turtlespeed 226]

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'will of the people be damned then I guess'

Only when it is a democrat adgenda - Shove it down their throats - Oh - I mean Run Away Run Away!

Hey I know its inconvienient.. but wasnt it the cocksuckers of the PARTY OF NO... that would never go for any up or down vote.... as long as they were in the minority the last couple years??

Turnabout is fair play/// SUCK IT UP CUPCAKES

The Republicans didn't have to hide to legally delay legislature that they found was unjust.
The republicans weren't cowards about it.
The Republicans can wait. The Democrats can't hide forever.

Again - what was your omnipotent Leader's quote? I guess the Democrats don't want to sit in th back, what is good for the goose isn't good for the gander in their minds, so they just want to run and cower.

It does add legitimacy to the rumors of the stature of the Dems in Wisconsin, though, you have to agree.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[rushmc 23]

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'will of the people be damned then I guess'

Only when it is a democrat adgenda - Shove it down their throats - Oh - I mean Run Away Run Away!

Hey I know its inconvienient.. but wasnt it the cocksuckers of the PARTY OF NO... that would never go for any up or down vote.... as long as they were in the minority the last couple years??

Turnabout is fair play/// SUCK IT UP CUPCAKES

The Republicans didn't have to hide to legally delay legislature that they found was unjust.
The republicans weren't cowards about it.
The Republicans can wait. The Democrats can't hide forever.

Again - what was your omnipotent Leader's quote? I guess the Democrats don't want to sit in th back, what is good for the goose isn't good for the gander in their minds, so they just want to run and cower.

It does add legitimacy to the rumors of the stature of the Dems in Wisconsin, though, you have to agree.

Gotta love the party of no puke pile

the (the liberal dems) did not need a single R vote to pass the tripe they advocated

Yet they wanted one/any R to vote with them so they could say it was bipartisan

They did not get that and the party of no was invented

delusional

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[airdvr 210]

This is all about the Dems not wanting their names tagged to a no vote that goes against the wishes of the majority of the citizenry.

Unfortunately this is also a microcosm of what we'll see at the federal level once the gloves come off over the budget. No leaders...on either side of the aisle.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

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This is all about the Dems not wanting their names tagged to a no vote that goes against the wishes of the majority of the citizenry.

Unfortunately this is also a microcosm of what we'll see at the federal level once the gloves come off over the budget. No leaders...on either side of the aisle.

As long as they don't run away and hide.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Kennedy 0]

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Hey I know its inconvienient.. but wasnt it the cocksuckers of the PARTY OF NO... that would never go for any up or down vote.... as long as they were in the minority the last couple years??

Turnabout is fair play/// SUCK IT UP CUPCAKES

Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[Amazon 7]

Quote

Quote

Hey I know its inconvienient.. but wasnt it the cocksuckers of the PARTY OF NO... that would never go for any up or down vote.... as long as they were in the minority the last couple years??

Turnabout is fair play/// SUCK IT UP CUPCAKES

Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

I bet you want to send those RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN rePUBICLOWN militias that you love so much after them to get what you want.

[turtlespeed 226]

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Hey I know its inconvienient.. but wasnt it the cocksuckers of the PARTY OF NO... that would never go for any up or down vote.... as long as they were in the minority the last couple years??

Turnabout is fair play/// SUCK IT UP CUPCAKES

Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

I bet you want to send those RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN rePUBICLOWN militias that you love so much after them to get what you want.

Actually, just the local police will do. It is the law after all.
Or are you advocating breaking the law and having it go unnoticed and unpunished because it is a party you agree with idealogically?

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Amazon 7]

Hey I hear you need a job... this is right up your alley idealogically.

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Hey I hear you need a job... this is right up your alley idealogically.

You hear correctly. Do you really want to go there?

Is that what you have to revert to to insult me?

How childish are you hoping to appear?

Like with other posters here - Next I expect a "nanny Nanny Boo Boo" to follow shortly.

Sad, really sad.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Amazon 7]

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Hey I hear you need a job... this is right up your alley idealogically.

You hear correctly. Do you really want to go there?

Is that what you have to revert to to insult me?

How childish are you hoping to appear?

Like with other posters here - Next I expect a "nanny Nanny Boo Boo" to follow shortly.

Sad, really sad.

I just figured that a right wing private army would LOVE to have you.

You can be a part of CHANGING AMERIKA

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Hey I hear you need a job... this is right up your alley idealogically.

You hear correctly. Do you really want to go there?

Is that what you have to revert to to insult me?

How childish are you hoping to appear?

Like with other posters here - Next I expect a "nanny Nanny Boo Boo" to follow shortly.

Sad, really sad.

I just figured that a right wing private army would LOVE to have you.

You can be a part of CHANGING AMERIKA

No . . . you wanted to try to get under my skin, and it didn't work.
It just makes me feel sorry for you.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Kennedy 0]

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Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

I bet you want to send those RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN rePUBICLOWN militias that you love so much after them to get what you want.

Way to not answer the question and imply that I would support a felony. (why should I expect anything else from you lately?)

So do you support legislators running away to avoid letting government function according to the constitution?

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[Amazon 7]

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Quote

Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

I bet you want to send those RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN rePUBICLOWN militias that you love so much after them to get what you want.

Way to not answer the question and imply that I would support a felony. (why should I expect anything else from you lately?)

So do you support legislators running away to avoid letting government function according to the constitution?

Well use your POLICE STATE powers that the right wing believes in so vociferously to drag them back and sit them there... its SOOOOOOO conservative a thing to do. Just be sure to get the uniform right so you look smashing doing it

[turtlespeed 226]

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Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

I bet you want to send those RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN rePUBICLOWN militias that you love so much after them to get what you want.

Way to not answer the question and imply that I would support a felony. (why should I expect anything else from you lately?)

So do you support legislators running away to avoid letting government function according to the constitution?

Well use your POLICE STATE powers that the right wing believes in so vociferously to drag them back and sit them there... its SOOOOOOO conservative a thing to do. Just be sure to get the uniform right so you look smashing doing it

So do you support legislators cowering from their duties and running away to escape the duties that they swore under oath to do?

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Amazon 7]

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Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

I bet you want to send those RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN rePUBICLOWN militias that you love so much after them to get what you want.

Way to not answer the question and imply that I would support a felony. (why should I expect anything else from you lately?)

So do you support legislators running away to avoid letting government function according to the constitution?

Well use your POLICE STATE powers that the right wing believes in so vociferously to drag them back and sit them there... its SOOOOOOO conservative a thing to do. Just be sure to get the uniform right so you look smashing doing it

So do you support legislators cowering from their duties and running away to escape the duties that they swore under oath to do?

Its obvious that YOU supported any and everything YOUR FRINGE RIGHT legislators did to block any and all legislation... SUCK IT UP CUPCAKE

[turtlespeed 226]

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Are you really going to support legislators running away from their job? Voting against a bill is one thing. Using underhanded lawyerly tricks to hold up bills is one thing. But actually fleeing the fucking state tonavoid being dragged bodily into the capital so that the state constitution can be upheld? That's quite possibly the single most despicable thing I've ever heard of a party of politicians doing. In the name of everything politicians spit on while claiming they hold it dear, this is just pathetic.

Red, I know you rabidly hate republicans, but can you support democrats who run away to avoid letting government function?

I bet you want to send those RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN rePUBICLOWN militias that you love so much after them to get what you want.

Way to not answer the question and imply that I would support a felony. (why should I expect anything else from you lately?)

So do you support legislators running away to avoid letting government function according to the constitution?

Well use your POLICE STATE powers that the right wing believes in so vociferously to drag them back and sit them there... its SOOOOOOO conservative a thing to do. Just be sure to get the uniform right so you look smashing doing it

So do you support legislators cowering from their duties and running away to escape the duties that they swore under oath to do?

Its obvious that YOU supported any and everything YOUR FRINGE RIGHT legislators did to block any and all legislation... SUCK IT UP CUPCAKE

So is that support for their actions?

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Kennedy 0]

Uh huh, because everyone who doesn't march to your beat is obviously goose-stepping untermensch.

For anyone who cares to see the OP embarassed the first time, it was this thread. I'm not going to point out all the inaccuracies or all the ignorance again, let alone the hypocrasy of stifling free speech to "save freedom."

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[turtlespeed 226]

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Uh huh, because everyone who doesn't march to your beat is obviously goose-stepping untermensch.

For antone who cares to see the OP embarassed the first time, it was this thread. I'm not going to point out all the inaccuracies or all the ignorance again, let alone the hypocrasy of stifling free speech to save freedom.

My wager is that she won't bother to read the thread because it disagrees with her stance on the ledge of the ultra far left cliff.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[Amazon 7]

Obviously you like the rest of the FRINGe RIGHT you think that the issue that is causing this is fair game to BREAK all the contracts and bust the unions...and then SPEND all those pension funds like you have done in the private sector over and over.

I would say those workers earned their pensions.. not the rich who wish to spend all of that money that was set aside.

Legality means nothing to those who are wanting to bend over in hopes of a bit of trickle from their rich masters.