[PapaBear3625]

Rule 89 has to do with compelling a quorum. It does not define the quorum. On page 133 of the book at your link, it says that 3/5ths of the body must be present for bills which pass taxes or appropriations. The business before the Wisc senate does neither.

I'm still confused here. It seems to me that only a majority needs to be present, and the Dems are not needed for a quorum.

Another interesting section is Senate Rule 95. It holds that rules may not be changed without the consent of 2/3 of the members present. It seems to me that the Repubs could have a lot of fun here if they declared a quorum (majority of members, all R) and started making rule changes that would upset the Dems.

[mewzilla]

The Rule 89 I was looking at deals with the Sergeant At Arms going after absentees who are AWOL. Seems to me that could apply here :)