Democrats Flee Wisconsin To Deny Quorum On Union Vote; Police Dispatched To Catch Them And Bring Them Back

But they can't pick them up if they're out of state.

Now if you'll excuse me, there's a bottle of Mrs. Paul's tartar sauce that I need to dip my balls in.

Police officers were dispatched Thursday to find Wisconsin state lawmakers who had apparently boycotted a vote on a sweeping bill that would strip most government workers of their collective bargaining rights.

The lawmakers, all Democrats in the state Senate, did not show up when they were ordered to attend a midday vote on the legislation.

The proposal has been the focus of intense protests at the Statehouse for three days. As Republicans tried to begin Senate business Thursday, observers in the gallery screamed "Freedom! Democracy! Unions!"

Republicans hold a 19-14 majority, but they need at least one Democrat to be present before taking a vote on the bill.

"Today they checked out, and I'm not sure where they're at," Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said. "This is the ultimate shutdown, what we're seeing today."

What happens next? Waiting, I suppose. They must come back eventually, and as soon as one Democrat gets picked up (they only need one more for a quorum) they can proceed.

If I were Walker, I'd also be looking into the state laws about declaring a seat to be vacant -- there must be laws about this. If someone goes missing, will not show up for work, etc.

I also want to point out Gabriel's point -- about how crazy it is that these unions can donate to political campaigns. This is nothing but legal corruption: they are currently permitted to bribe the government officials signing their contracts.

That should be the next step.

By the way, Ohio will be voting on a similar bill soon. (Thanks to Warden.)

And critically, the key vote in Wisconsin's Supreme Court is up for reelection -- the man holding it is a conservative, and he's being challenged. Losing him would mean losing a 4-3 conservative majority for a 4-3 liberal majority.

Since he's running, you can donate to his campaign, and if you're a Wisconsin resident, you had better damn vote.

Update: Tennessee is also proposing busting the teachers union.

Thanks to Drew.

posted by Ace at 02:19 PM

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