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.

[Liz]

(Sigh) I just love it when the Pubbies warm-up to play hardball. Makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. Can't wait til the Pubs finally take off the gloves.

[goldstategop]

The Democrats are contemptuous of the rule of law. I hope at the end of the day the fines aren't forgiven. These people need to made to pay for the rest of their lives or long as is necessary for them to pay off their debt.

[LibertarianInExile]

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

Heheheheh...be vewy quiet, I'm hunting Texas CHICKENWATS!

[Liz]

Dumbocrats fave pastime -- picking the campaign contributions money tree clean.

[Liz]

Texas Dumbocrats attend the party's annual Gong Show.

[SerpentDove]

MeeknPING

[Leroy S. Mort]

Taking away their CELLPHONE privileges?? What's next? Grounding them for the weekend?

[goldstategop]

Dock their pay and vacation time privileges...

[trustandobey]

I support a "time out", as in forever.

[Iowa Granny]

I'm doubtful they will have the courage to make this stuff stick. Then the Texas Republicans will be the ones to look bad. One of my strongests beliefs is that you should never threaten to do something like this unless you have a commitment from the team to carry through.

[.30Carbine]

This is wonderful! Keep up the good work, Texas Republicans!

[.30Carbine]

ping

[sgtbono2002]

Place a lien on their homes till they pay up.

[The Wizard]

Republicans with balls???? I didn't think is was allowed

[Liz]

I heat the Pubs are going to deny the Dims snacking privileges at the state house vending machines.

[Dante3]

About time!

[wattsmag2]

"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.

So does being out of state you Democrat morons.

[Liz]

This is about the tenth time I've posted this:

The Pubbies need to let unleash the laws on Dims.

Email Texas GOP: Taxpayers demand absconding Dems be charged with:

(1) theft of government services,

(2) misuse of office,

(3) misappropriation of tax funds,

(4) abuse of public office,

(5) receiving illegal gratuities,

(6) filing false documents,

(7) abuse of government power,

(8) conflict of interest,

(9) possible FEC violations,

(10) violating their oath of office;

(11) dereliction of duty.

email address: texasGOP.org

[Lady Johanna]

and number 12. declare their jobs abandoned, and replace them.

[shiva]

You beat me to it....I was gonna say, Putte had some nerve.