>>That’s the first thing to pop into my head too.<<
The first thing I thought was that the GOP probably pulled one over on the opponents by claiming a threat so they could get the meeting over with and then get a police escort out of the building in the bargain.
I don’t say that sarcastically, but strategically, by the way. Pass the bill in committee and get the hell out before the protesters block the halls.
As for Walker’s reluctance to lead the charge on this bill, again, political planning is probably behind that decision. He knew it was going to be brought up, but with national unions starting to get frustrated with Obama (Keystone/coal industry), he’s better off not leading the charge if he’s going to run for President, a charge that was going to happen with or without him given the makeup of the current legislature.