The fabulous 14 Democrats who are inspiring a nation:

[PeaceNikki]

A few have been named in other threads, but they are ALL worthy of being named by name.

Tim Carpenter
Spencer Coggs
Tim Cullen
Jon Erpenbach
Dave Hansen
Jim Holperin
Robert Jauch
Chris Larson
Julie Lassa
Mark Miller
Fred Risser
Lena Taylor
Kathleen Vinehout
Robert Wirch


Please join me in supporting and thanking each of them for standing up for all of us! :loveya:

[Earth_First]

1. You know, I'd give them a pass if they decided to visit the waterpark next door... n/t

[PeaceNikki]

5. From Wonkette:

http://wonkette.com/438483/vigilante-wisconsin-state-senator-wins-internet

UPDATE:

Wisconsin state Democrats who refused to show up for a vote on Governor Walker’s budget repair bill have been located.

The lawmakers are in Rockford, Illinois at the Best Western Clock Tower Resort.

Ooh! What are they up to? Let’s look at this hotel’s website:

Enjoy a great family experience with 65,000 square feet of indoor water park fun at CoCo Key Water Resort and Key Quest Arcade. Day passes are available as well as overnight stay with water park pass packages.

Also at our resort is the SunDial Restaurant and the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery. Visit www.tiltedkiltrockford.com for a list of events and specials at Rockford’s hottest new sports pub!

Getting drunk and floating around one of those “lazy river” things. Not only have Wisconsin Democrats won the Internet, they have won life

:)

[Earth_First]

7. +1

Thanks for the context!

:rofl:

[benddem]

28. it's cold there. N/t

[PeaceNikki]

30. Which is why it's INdoor.

We've wrapped our heads around the elusive winters that get chilly here in the midwest. ;)

[Shiver]

71. Pfft

Like cold bothers anyone in Wisconsin. I went to Virginia in January, and they were breaking out heavy winter coats for 38 degree weather! In Wisconsin, 38 degrees is when we start to consider thinking about turning the heat on.

Yeah, I think they can handle it ;)

[janet118]

73. Hey, Lena - YGG! n/t

[EC]

79. I think they moved from there

last night.

on edit: my sen. is Robert Wirch, he's pretty much a really shy man, but has been heroic in the past also.

[calimary]

85. Gee, should they be revealing the hiding place?

Hmmm...

[certainot]

90. live: vicki mckenna on madison limbaugh station is getting walker's back

mckenna is on now (WIBA) with her jerk friend talking (mckenna) about the missing dems going to an inn serviced by young women "dressed like sluts"

and selling the teabagger rally tomorrow with national bagger usuals including breitbart!

and the WIS badgers broadcast on this union bashing, global warming denying limbaugh station. maybe they ought to be encouraged to look elsewhere. yesterday limbaugh called public employees/teachers/union workers "parasites", and called NJ gov christie a "union bashing hero"

listen live at http://www.wiba.com/....

[e-mail] toll free 18772351310

and some guy just called extolling the country day alternative! there are plenty of alts to public schooling!....

[blogslut]

2. The Fearless Fourteen

I dig them. :)

[Rectangle]

88. I wopuld like to throw in my congressman Keith Ellison. He is as progressive as

you get!!!
:patriot:

[Arctic Dave]

K&R

[Windy]

3. Profiles in Courage!!!! WTG!!! nt

[yourout]

4. Jon Erpenbach is my state Senator......Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[roguevalley]

6. revolution is good. I salute them all. This is what I have lived to see

happen. I thought I would die in a country where nothing was possible. Now this little spark is lighting the darkness.

[Shiver]

68. Hey, mine too!

Based off this, though, I wish I could vote for all of the 14.

[AsahinaKimi]

8. sounds good!

eom.

[PeaceNikki]

11. This list is the 14 Wisconsin State Senators who left the state today to stand with the people.

No quorum, no vote.

[AsahinaKimi]

18. OH YEAH!! I HEARD they went to Illinois!!

:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

[PeaceNikki]

21. Rockford. Some reports say some are in Dubuque.

[rzemanfl]

24. No, they are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or getting

laid in South America....

[PeaceNikki]

Maybe that's where the 2 AWOL (R)'s were.

But the Dems are in IL. And maybe Dubuque.

[mzteris]

40. someone else who's heard this.

What do you know about it? Who are these two: Schultz and Van Wygaard.? Know anything about them?

[PeaceNikki]

44. I've only heard chatter. Nothing solid.

I heard 2 (R)'s were not in attendance. Later news reports gave their names as Republicans who MIGHT compromise.

[cascadiance]

97. Might Dan Kapanke be one of them?

This article seemed to indicate he wasn't fully on board with the rest of the Republicans!

http://www.channel3000.com/politics/26886409/detail.html

[Better Believe It]

75. Honestly I wished they had stayed in the state to literally stand with the people.

I don't think that with thousands of demonstrators surrounding them outside there is any chance they can be forcibly dragged into the capital building past thousands of more demonstrators in the building.

If they get thrown in the slammer for resisting arrest .... we'll bail them out. No problem. Far worse things have happened to politicians that have stood with labor. And they can rejoin the demonstrators as true friends and allies and probably be greeted as hero's!

[mmonk]

9. If they can inspire the party, we may have something to fight with

in 2012. Kudos to them.

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. So them are the ones that went AWOL

who are the two Republicans I heard off this morning on the Shultz show? they also deserve to be in the list.

[PeaceNikki]

12. I wish I knew!!

I'll let you all know if I find out.

[Release The Hounds]

96. Dale Schultz and Van Wanggaard are the two I heard

But it's not confirmed.

[upi402]

13. And Thanks to Texas Dems in 2004 too...

"Back in May 2003, Republicans in Texas wanted to redo the 2001 redistricting plan to pick up an easy four seats in the House of Representatives. Problem was, just like Fitzgerald and Walker in Wisconsin, they needed a quorum in the legislature to get anything done.

So Texas House Democrats skipped town. "


http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/flashback-texas-dems-fled-state-in-2003-to-block-discriminatory-gop-gerrymandering.php

[PeaceNikki]

15. Indeed!

:thumbsup:

[barbtries]

57. i remember that

i didn't follow it all that closely so never learned how it all played out. but while driving through TX on my move from CA to NC, there was a stretch on the 40 where the county name seemed to change every few hundred yards. i figured that might have something to do with gerrymandering, though i don't really know.

[hobbit709]

58. The "Killer Bees" originally walked in 1979.

2004 was the second time.

[nmbluesky]

81. yup

they stayed in my states for 46 days...

[rhett o rick]

14. It is time to take a stand. It's a John Handcock moment. Make your signature LARGE. nm

[bbinacan]

16. Is this legal?

Could the Sargent at arms forcibly have them show?:shrug:

[PeaceNikki]

19. It's legal.

[bbinacan]

26. But, could the sargent at arms

have them returned? I seem to remember a similar situation some years ago.

[PeaceNikki]

27. No idea. I doubt it'll get to that.

A similar sitch happened in TX in 2004: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x442404#442474

[bbinacan]

31. Thanks for the info.

If the Dems never show up, could they be replaced? The processes intrigue me.

[PeaceNikki]

32. Me, too.

We'll see how this develops. Watch Lena Taylor on Lawrence O'Donnell tonight and maybe we'll get more details.

[bbinacan]

34. Thanks. n/t

[NorthCarolina]

29. Many of them crossed the border into Illinois

to prevent just that from happening.

[nadinbrzezinski]

38. Texas, and it took the FBI under

Bush to bring them back.

Now will see if Holder plays the same role, won't we?

The Sergeant has no jurisdiction outside state borders.

[Sherman A1]

72. One suspects that Wisconsin Senate Rules do not apply in

Illinois.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

17. Many Blessing on them

When the legislators ran in Texas, I don't recall they won the issue, just delayed it. (am I wrong?) That was about redistricting I think. I sure hope these folks can work out a plan and network to throw up a 'firewall' against the teaparty (Inc.) rants.

Obey had a good rant on TPM

[postulater]

20. The talkers on WTMJ radio were wondering

who is paying for the legislators trip and lodging while they are away. The talkers are expecting that taxpayers will be billed for this.

I don't think the legislators would give the Repubs the satisfaction.

[PeaceNikki]

22. lol - screw them.

[murielm99]

76. If they need money, we can take up a collection.

I would do it. In fact, I am not that far from Rockford. I would go over there with my credit card and help out.

[PeaceNikki]

23. If you missed other thread, Lena Taylor will be on Lawrence O'Donnell tonight.

[upi402]

25. Thanks for that, DemocracyNow! on now until Tweety is over

Then back to MSNBC.

[sabrina 1]

33. Good for them. Glad to see so much unity

against Walker. Looks like he doesn't have too many allies.

[PeaceNikki]

35. He's got Boner and Hatch.

[sabrina 1]

36. Lol, why am I not surprised??

[PeaceNikki]

37. Lena is on with Lawrence O'Donnell now!

[ralps]

39. Yay for the 14 Democrats!

:hi: :loveya: :hug: :pals: :woohoo:

[catabryna]

41. Just like Texas dems left the state in 2003...

I think it's sooooo cool!

http://articles.cnn.com/2003-05-13/politics/texas.legislature_1_house-speaker-tom-craddick-democratic-walkout-texas-house?_s=PM:ALLPOLITICS

:thumbsup:

Love it, love it, love it!

[Brigid]

42. This is great!

I may be late to the party, but WI 14, :yourock:

[chill_wind]

43. I was hoping someone would post all their names for us. Thanks!

K & R.

[PeaceNikki]

45. Happy to! I am bursting with cheesy pride today.

:)

[Obamanaut]

46. They fled so they would not have to vote on an issue? Why not stay

and simply vote "Present"? That's been done before.

[PeaceNikki]

47. Cuz it would have passed. They had the votes to pass.

[Obamanaut]

48. In addition to seeking campaign funds for the next election, isn't part

of their job to hang around and vote for stuff. If the like the bill they approve, if they don't they disapprove, or sometimes vote present. But be there they should.

[PeaceNikki]

49. Are you shitting me? They want to force a debate that has been denied.

They are doing this to get concessions, not to shirk their duties, but *TO* represent the people who are being not only ignored, but FUCKED.

[PeaceNikki]

50. I guess you don't know how this bill went down at all, huh?

Nor do you care. But you'll accuse them of not doing their jobs- just like Scott Walker did.

[PeaceNikki]

51. The senators job is to support the public and make decisions based on our best interests.

I think the Democrats are doing exactly what we're paying them to do.

Nothing else to say on that?

[Obamanaut]

64. If it is true that a quorum is needed only for voting on fiscal matters,

and these public officials fled so there would not be a quorum, what is to prevent the remainder (GOP controlled) to vote on any and every other piece of legislation they want to get passed?

Voter ID comes to mind, and concealed carry legislation.

How will the missing legislators justify this, if it happens? It is possible that others may have similar thoughts.

[PeaceNikki]

65. You're not understanding

Dems can LEGALLY delay by caucusing indefinitely. They can deploy trooper to "compel" them to appear, but if they are out of state, all bets are off. They GOP CAN'T VOTE WITHOUT 20 PRESENT.

[Obamanaut]

66. No, I am not understanding. I read in an article yesterday that a quorum

is not required to vote on bills that are not fiscal in nature.

If this is true, what is to prevent those who did show up for work from passing anything and everything that otherwise might be met with opposition by some or all who fled?

I am not from Wisconsin. I am not familiar with the state government there.

edited to add I do not have a link to the article mentioned above.

[bbgrunt]

94. If the quorum is only needed for fiscal matters, it is

really irrelevant if the republicans pass other legislation since the dems are in a minority anyway and their votes on these other matters would not affect the outcome.

Secondly, you are missing the effect of showing obvious support for the protestors--sort of like what a coach does when he argues with a ref and gets thrown out of the game in hope of inspiring his players to continue with renewed effort. That is what these 14 are doing for the working people of Wisconsin. The technicalities of your argument don't matter.

[Lugnut]

52. K&R n/t

[defendandprotect]

53. There are some Democrats who could help us take back the party --

but those Democrats -- wherever they are -- including Congress and in every one

of our states, have to decide to do it --

Take the party back from the DLC-corporates -- even if we have to pick the party

up and walk off with it!!


This is one way to do just that!!

[myrna minx]

54. K&R n/t

[Starry Messenger]

55. k&r

[barbtries]

56. hundred percent

any guesses as to whether the dickhead governor of WI will back off and agree to discuss his proposals?

further (and i would love it if anyone from WI weighed in on this), any guesses as to how many voters in WI are suffering buyers' remorse?

i think he bit off more than the state can chew.

[magdalena]

62. I doubt he will back off

unless of course he gets the OK to from whoever gave him his marching orders. Many people in this state do not believe any of this bill is something he came up with on his own. As for buyer's remorse, I haven't personally heard any rethugs I know admit they might have been wrong in electing this asshat, but their bizarre silence speaks volumes. Republicans who are usually so passionate of supporting any fanatical right-wing idea are refusing to voice opinions on this. My father who is a staunch fiscal conservative (not the looney toons kind) is absolutely outraged at Walker's actions, but he had the foresight not to vote for him in the first place.

[barbtries]

67. thanks for responding.

i think the silence speaks of remorse, possibly even shame. expect that some people are waking up to the stone cold fact that republicans just don't give a rat's ass about the people of this country. and good for your dad for seeing the writing on the wall in time.

[Overseas]

59. K&R and Many Thanks ! //nt

[JNelson6563]

60. Power to the people!

:toast:

[xchrom]

61. Recommend

[Pacifist Patriot]

63. And of course when I logged on this morning I was greeted with the headline...

"Democrats Flee...." followed by a bunch of predictable Rethug commentary from people who clearly haven't a brain cell in their heads. It's amazing they can even type.

I, on the other hand, understand what they are doing and thank them for doing it!

[TBF]

69. Kick for solidarity -

:kick: :kick: :kick:

[CLANG]

70. And let me tell you these are all GOOD Americans! They don't stand for fascist crap!

[BigAnth]

74. I'm proud that Fred Risser is my State Senator!

Way to go Fred and the other 13 courageous Democrats. I'm guessing that Scott Walker didn't count on us having an unseasonably warm week here in February when he planned his power grab. I think that the warm weather has definintely helped to bring out the protesters. I think that the protests will continue through the weekend and into next week. After seeing the extent of the protests state-wide it would seem that the Repub. Senators and Representatives have to be wondering if they can get re-elected if they vote for this travesty of a bill.

[Taverner]

77. Don't forget Bernie Sanders

Although technically he's not a Democrat

[PeaceNikki]

86. This is a very specific list of the WI Dems who are holding the Governor's feet to the fire.

:)

[blondeatlast]

93. I wasn't aware he walked out of a quorum call in the Wisconsin House. the things one learns

only on DU.

[DeSwiss]

78. Thank you!!!

[Faryn Balyncd]

80. K and R

:hi:

[Phlem]

82. This is a beautiful thing.

I hope it's the tipping point.

I stand with them 1000%

-p

[Granny M]

83. Well done.

Hope they inspire many more Democrats to stand up and do the right thing.

[calimary]

84. Dems with backbone?

No shit! They actually exist.

:fistbump: :patriot: :applause: :thumbsup:

[Zebedeo]

87. Hmmmmm . . .

What would we be saying if the Republican minority in the California state assembly all walked out and went across the state line into Nevada in order to thwart the Legislature from taking action? Would we be saying that it is a legitimate way for them to express their disagreement, or would we be saying that they are having a tantrum and refusing to allow the democratically elected majority take action on behalf of the people of the State of California who elected them?

[Phlem]

89. I've heard the opinion that

this a ruse. That it was, I don't know, hundreds of pages long and was just being ram rodded through. The scary shit is what's in the actual bill. I profess to not having read the actual bill, I'm working right now, but I listen to internet radio and Big Ed around this time. He just had some one on who read the bill and paints it as an all out power grab.

Your observation makes sense but I doubt the democratic majority would ram rod something like this (or technically the opposite type of this bill) through in California or any where.

It sounds like this has been a long standing benefit that's been hard fought for in Wisconsin and it sounds like Walker's just trying to extinguish in less than a week, but as I'm sure you know, the devil is in the details.

Cheers

-p

[blondeatlast]

95. I'd bitch and moan to high heaven because the legislation they walked out on would

undoubtedly help my fellow citizens.

Do you have a problem with that? If so, why, and what is it, specifically?

[Zebedeo]

101. Hypocrisy

is the problem I have with it.

[blondeatlast]

102. It's a filibuster on foot. They can do it and I can bitch about it.

But it's still simply a filibuster.

[Zebedeo]

103. I believe in intellectual honesty

If we would consider a tactic illegitimate if done by the other side, we should not be engaging in that tactic ourselves.

[Faygo Kid]

91. Thanks for posting this.

We need to remember these are real folks. They will be targeted by the Murdochs of the world.

[valerief]

92. BRAVO!!!!! America is proud of them!!!!!

:applause:

[Enthusiast]

98. K&R! nt

[Botany]

99. The Democratic Peoples Republic of Rockford, Illinois

BTW remember the republicans in the U.S. Senate blocked over 300 bills passed by
Nancy Pelosi and the House w/ their non stop filibusters. Many of those bills would
have helped Americans get jobs and helped in a greater economic recovery too. So
tough crap for Walker and his paymasters the Koch Boys.

[hay rick]

100. K&R