Texas Republicans Are Imposing Penalties on Fleeing Democrats (warming up for hardball)

NY TIMES ^ | 8/16/03 | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

[Liz]

AUSTIN, Tex., Aug. 15 (AP) — With a band of Democratic state senators refusing to end their walkout, Republicans today approved a plan to deny the Democrats parking spaces, cellphones and other privileges.

Eleven Democrats have stayed at a hotel in Albuquerque since July 29, keeping the Texas Senate's Republican majority from obtaining the quorum it needs to consider a Republican redistricting plan.

Republicans responded this week by imposing fines on the Democrats, starting at $1,000 for Thursday and doubling for each day missed, to a maximum of $5,000 a day.

A resolution approved today limits postage to $200 a month, takes away floor passes from members of the senators' staffs and eliminates purchasing privileges. The parking and cellphone sanctions are to take effect if the fines go unpaid.

Democrats dismissed the action. "They've added measures, which will make it difficult for our legislative staff back in Austin to continue to serve our constituents," State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said.

[sweetliberty]

"Can't wait til the Pubs finally take off the gloves."

I don't look for it in this lifetime.

[sweetliberty]

"Now if they'd just offer a bounty on the ^&*#heads...boy, that would be fun!"

ROTFL! I like how you think.

[Liz]

In the last analysis, we, the people, decide. Don't ever forget it.

[TexasTransplant]

I am surprised the interview lasted as long as it did before he went name callin, he's standing on a three legged chair and the noose is starting to chaff his adams apple. (That visual just gave me a warm fuzzy) all in all the interview ended exactly as expected, I hope the pubbies don't fold like I expect...