Molepske (Wisc) requests a recess citing sleep deprivation

Wispolitics dot com ^ | 2-24-11 | JR Ross

[bigbob]

Dem Rep. Louis Molepske interrupted JFC Co-chair Robin Vos to request a recess, citing sleep deprivation and the safety of the chamber.

Molepske recounted some of the dangers of sleep deprivation, including slurred speech, disorientation and hallucinations, drawing laughs from members who thought he was getting a jab in on Vos. But Molepske insisted he was serious.

Speaker Pro Tempore Bill Kramer rejected the request, pointing out he's been in the chair for all but five hours of the debate and unlike the others, he has to stand on his feet and "pay attention."

[bigbob]

This is just too hilarious not to pass on. After having teed up over 200 amendments and droning on for nearly 59 hours in what will prove to be nothing but a waste of time, the Wisconsin Democrats are getting cranky and want to go beddie-bye.

I don't think it was an act, but Moelpske was halfway incoherent, what he actually said was "hallucinizations" and went on to say that people could DIE from sleep deprivation. Obviously the whole situation is the fault of his caucus - but since when have Democrats taken any responsibility for their own actions?

Request denied. Try No-Doze.

[MediaMole]

Gottal love Bill Kramer.

This photo of Mark Honadel really sums up the whole mess. Honadel is a decent conservative from southeastern WI.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?template=zoom&Site=U0&Date=20110223&Category=GPG0101&ArtNo=110223002&Ref=AR

[so_real]

I'm watching it too! Some of this makes for really good comedy.

[bigbob]

I was away for a while - are they now trying to remove the president pro-tem because he wouldn’t let them go to bed?

[so_real]

The majority made a motion for third reading ... a step closer to vote ... and the minority wigged out and accused the speaker pro tem of failing to follow protocol and recognize additional speakers. The room erupted!

[bigbob]

Thanks. Tell you what, I admire the patience of the majority leadership and the Governor - I’d have the National Guard in there with firehoses!

Yeah, it’ll be a few weeks before they’re buyin each other beers...

[so_real]

I hear you. The minority is whining and making threats about "going to a bad place". With violence threatened against the governor and his family as well as the assembly members and senators, I probably would have had the National Guard in too. If they can put up with it, I think the majority is doing the proper thing. But dang!, the patience required to endure some of these putzes is beyond me. They cry about the "legitimacy of the body" while their senators are on the lamb ... hypocrites.

[so_real]

What happened in the rotunda? And why is Berceau so afraid of the rotunda crowd?

[mlocher]

If Moleske wanted a good night’s sleep, he should have joined the State Senate Democrats at the Motel 6 in Illinois. I am sure they would have kept a light on for him.

[JoeProBono]

[so_real]

The bill is passed!

[11th_VA]

The bill is passed, for real ???

[so_real]

Well ... it passed the Assembly. Now it is in the hands of the Senators ... of which 14 are still AWOL. But it is progress!

[so_real]

The Speaker Pro Tem called for a vote at about 1:07am. The republicans voted. The democrats started shouting. The room was clearing out with the democrats shouting in unison and waving their hands at the republicans. The sound was a bit off, but if I had to guess I think they were shouting "Sit, Sit, Sit, Sit" trying to get the assemblymen back in their seats. Then WisEye cut the feed. I hope it didn't get ugly.

[11th_VA]

Sounds like we've devolved into another banana republic. Thanks to everyone for providing updates - this is fascinating to follow ...

[sbMKE]

Shame, shame, shame was the chant.

[bigbob]

I gotta congratulate you for sticking with it - I had an early meeting Friday so had to give it up before the bill was passed and just now had a chance to get caught up.

There is no better example of the old saying about “if you like sausage, stay away from the place where it’s made”. And Wisconsin is well known for it’s sausage ;-)

Some of the Dems have really disgraced themselves and the Assembly IMHO, especially as you say when their Senate colleagues are on the lam.