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Wisconsin Republicans Order Arrest of 14 Democrats Who Fled State
Gov. Scott Walker has ordered the arrest of 14 Democratic legislators who fled Wisconsin in a bid to avoid voting on the governor's controversial budget bill.
The Republican majority in the state Senate passed a resolution Wednesday finding the AWOL Democrats guilty of contempt and disorderly conduct if they didn't make it back to Wisconsin by 4 p.m.
After the deadline passed there was no immediate word that any of the 14 returned.
"We simply cannot have democracy be held hostage because the minority wants to prove a point," Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said. "They have pushed us to the edge of a constitutional crisis."
The GOP actions may end up being simply symbolic, the Wisconsin State Journal reported, pointing out there are questions about whether the resolution is legal under state rules. The Wisconsin Constitution forbids the arrest of lawmakers while the Legislature is in session unless they're suspected of committing felonies, treason or breach of the peace, according to the newspaper.
Democrats have asked an attorney to look into whether the Republican tactic is legal.
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans passed a resolution that would impose a $100-per-day fine for members absent without leave for two or more session days. It would also strip missing lawmakers of their expense accounts.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have been gathering for weeks outside the state Capitol to sound off against Walker's budget bill, which would strip the collective bargaining rights of unionized state workers. The measure is just one vote away from being sent to the governor for his signature.
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After all this passes, it will be imperative that an election re-call be put in motion for the governor of wisconsin.
March 06 2011 at 12:13 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replywhy is it that we had to honor bonusesin contracts with the scumbag bankers that destroyed the economy, but not a union contract?
Why is it that we think 250k a year is nothing when it comes to repealing Bush tax cuts but 50k a year for a teacher is highway robbery? Why did we not care about Bush running up a 10 trillion dollar debt, but now we can't stand for Obama to borrow money? Could it be that we have a double standar for Republicans compared to Democrats?
WANTED -- the run away 14 - last seen hiding behind curtains at motel 6 located just over the Wisconsin border.
March 04 2011 at 4:37 PM Report abuse Permalink +5 rate up rate down ReplyHas anyone reported on the 7.5 million dollars in damage is done to a historic state capital?
Hey hey ho ho…..!
Wisconsinites are totally feed up with both Democrats and these Unions. Both have shown us where their values are and those values have nothing to do with representing the citizens of Wisconsin. It's all about feathering their own beds.
March 04 2011 at 4:26 PM Report abuse Permalink +5 rate up rate down ReplyThe union zombies have done 7.5 million dollars in damage to a historic state capital. hey hey ho ho.!
March 04 2011 at 4:24 PM Report abuse Permalink +8 rate up rate down ReplyThe 14 run away Democrats are owned by the unions and will not return until the union tells them to go back.
March 04 2011 at 4:21 PM Report abuse Permalink +8 rate up rate down ReplyThis will all be over soon. The run away 14 are cracking...
March 04 2011 at 4:18 PM Report abuse Permalink +5 rate up rate down ReplyThe Republicans in Wiconsin have focus the issue on the Democratic senator and the union. However, I want to know why the governor has a "no-bid" clause in the budget. It would seem that if he really was concerned about the state finance that he would not have includes this clause. If the Democratic come back, they should demand this clause also be removed from the budget. No contract should be longer than 5 years. I wonder if the Governor would agree to that.
March 04 2011 at 3:59 PM Report abuse Permalink +7 rate up rate down ReplyWhy should the Democrats come back? The governor is not willing to compromise. The governor' is not willing for debate. This way the public can really see the governor's budget in all of its glory. Too bad they can't hold an election right now.
March 04 2011 at 3:41 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply..why did these little kids run away??
March 04 2011 at 5:57 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down Reply
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