Missing Wisconsin Dem speaks: We're MIA until GOP drops assault on workers rights (Impeach 'em!)

washington post ^ | 2/17/2011 | Greg Sargent

[tobyhill]

just got off the phone with Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson, one of the Democrats who has left the capitol in order to stall the GOP's plan to rolll back the bargaining rights of public employees. Speaking to me by cell phone from an undisclosed location, Larson said he and his fellow Democrats would not return until the GOP takes its assault on organizing rights "off the table."

"Each of us is in a secure location," he told me, confirming that they were not all together but were monitoring events on the Web and on Twitter. Larson refused to say whether he and his fellow Dems had left the state, as some have speculated.

[chichipow]

I fear you are completely mistaken.

[brewcrew]

They’re not getting away with anything. As soon as one dem shows up, they’ll take the vote. Can they stay away until the next election? It’s just a stunt.

[Hieronymus]

I believe that the Wisconsin constitution also says that there has to be a three-fifths quorum to vote on fiscal matters.

---

In which case they should put forward all the non-fiscal matters that they can think of to force the dems back.

[Richard Kimball]

Huey Long was the one who originally said that. He said the only way he wouldn't be re-elected was if he were caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy.

There have been two incidents of Texas Senators leaving the state to prevent the state from conducting business. The first was the 1979 "Killer Bees" incident. The second was in 2003 when 11 senators left to kill redistricting. In both instances, the senators leaving the state were all Democrats.

[combat_boots]

So, do they still get paid while AWOL?

Our guys fighting in theater and these people run like yellowbellies.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

So is CNN leading with how the Wisconsin DEMOCRATS have SHUT DOWN the state government? I won’t hold my breath for that admission from the MSM. If the Republicans had fled the state to halt a vote on desired Rat legislation, you can be sure the MSM would excoriate the “cowardly” GOP for “shutting down the state”.

The MSM is our most virulent enemy. No terrorist can cause the damage they cause. Thank goodness they are facing extinction. It can’t happen soon enough for me.

[CincyRichieRich]

Entertainment aside, I’m not a legal eagle...

What are the governor’s options?

What are the state senate’s options?

[TruthConquers]

I have seen this posted once or twice today.

Is it possible? Would the Repubs actually do this?
Because, if the CAN do this, they should.

Maybe that is what the people of Wisconsin should do.
Call the Gov and the State Capital and demand this be done.

Take away those thieving politicians thunder and grandstanding stunt and get this done. Pronto.

What better way to win the high ground AND neuter this kind of dereliction of duty.

[taxcontrol]

This should be easy. The GOP should start a recall petition. In Wisconson, any state official can be recalled if the petition receives 25% of the votes cast in the last election.

So, target the 3 or 4 most vulnerable Dems with a recall petition. On the first day of the petition, get a ground game together to canvas the GOP voters. If the last elections were close, this should be a easy effort. Lastly, run a series of TV and RADIO spots about how the 3 or 4 dems ran from the hard decisions, how they are not doing their jobs, etc. Then on day 30 start canvasing for votes in front of conservative venues.

Also, let the dems stay away but have the State assembly in session every day. As soon as 1 shows up, pass the bill. If none show up, go to the airwaves with how the Dems are not capable of making the hard choices, how they would rather run away than face facts ... etc.

Also, freeze their spending accounts, their office and staff pay, their credit cards and their state cell phones. And dont pay them for each day they are not at work.

Time to play hard ball folks

[tobyhill]

Once they get the one Democrat, the Republicans should immediately pass a vote withholding all pay for any legislature who failed to show up.

[PapaBear3625]

In the Wisc rules manual page 133 it says a 3/5ths majority must be present for bills relating to taxes or appropriations. Is the civil service union bill an appropriation or tax bill? Can it be rewritten so that it has nothing to do with appropriations and then passed with a simple majority quorum?

[brewcrew]

That’s what I’m thinking - rewrite the senate rules so they have a quorum. Take the gloves off. The time for pussy-footing around with these morons (with apologies to true morons) has passed.

[Mr. K]

Let them stay there for the next 6 months
no pay

[PapaBear3625]

In which case they should put forward all the non-fiscal matters that they can think of to force the dems back.

Senate rules changes require a 2/3 vote of those present, but since a rules change does not involve appropriations, a simple majority can constitute a quorum. Imagine the FUN that Republicans can have!

[CarmichaelPatriot]

If there’s a single moderate Democrat, offer him whatever he wants to switch parties. Done deal...

[TexasFreeper2009]

no... the second they get one democrat they need to change the quorum rules, and then tell them they can go where ever they please now!

[sbMKE]

20 of 33 senators must be present for a vote to take place. There are 19 Republicans.

[tobyhill]

That’s a good one.

[brewcrew]

Or how about this: Screw the bill. Start laying off state workers by the thousands.

[sbMKE]

Lason has been arrested for shoplifting and disorderly conduct. He is a Milwaukee “progressive” who replaced a moderate Democrat. Not exactly a top-shelf talent - he’s about a month into his first term after serving on the Milwaukee County board of supervisors.