Wisconsin: "Pandemonium in the Capitol" as "Dems Chant 'Shame!'"

[ProSense]

Pandemonium in the Capitol

Josh Marshall

Roughly an hour ago, after 61 hours of debate, the Republican state Assembly Speaker unexpectedly called a vote and then left the voting open for only seconds until a bare majority present had cast yes votes and then closed the voting, too quickly for most of the Democrats in the chamber to even get a chance to vote. Democrats erupted into crimes of "Shame, Shame, Shame" as Republicans filed out of the hall. Here's our report from the scene.

WI Assembly GOP Passes Walker Budget In Surprise Vote -- Dems Chant "Shame!"

Eric Kleefeld

MADISON, WI -- The Wisconsin State Assembly has just passed Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, including its controversial provisions to eliminate almost all collective bargaining rights for public employee unions as well as many other provisions to weaken union organizing.

After much buildup in the 61-hour debate -- of Republicans wanting things to be over, and Democrats railing against Republicans who they said would cut off debate -- at about 1 AM Speaker Pro Tempore Bill Kramer (R) announced that he would hear a voice vote for a roll call on final passage. Immediately, the majority Republicans shouted their ayes, and the Democrats were booing, as they tried to be recognized to demand a separate motion to cut off debate.

Then Kramer called the vote. Within seconds, the digital vote system on the wall announced 51 ayes and 17 nays, and voting was suddenly closed. With a total of 96 members, that got to a majority for the bill but left 28 members who hadn't had a chance yet to vote.

At that point, the Democrats got up, chanting "Shame! Shame! Shame!" and similar exclamations, as the Republicans filed out of the room.

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[SidDithers]

1. Does the budget still have to go through State Senate?...

The WI State Senators are still holed up in Chicago, aren't they?

Sid

[babylonsister]

2. Yes to both, I think, Sid. nt

[SidDithers]

8. Thanks...

:hi:

Sid

[snappyturtle]

3. Yes, to the first question. Chicago? I think it's more like Rockford....regardless,

they're still in Illinois.

[SidDithers]

9. Thanks...

:hi:

Sid

[el_bryanto]

4. Walker is delusional and believes his state is solidly behind him, in my opinion

So legislative tricks like this will be seen as clever outmanoverings of the hated liberals. I think he will find that he is wrong.

Bryant

[ChairmanAgnostic]

6. a nice unpleasant surprise will be

when some GOPers are removed from office.

[msongs]

5. We are suppposed to be bipartisan so don't be so critical ok? nt

[AllyCat]

7. Democracy is nearly dead. But we the people still fight.

I think it is time to start protesting outside the offices of the local Madison rag. After shutting down the more liberal evening paper, we are left with this pos conservative/becoming-more-tea-party-every-day bit of nastiness.

I'm not at all surprised they did this. Not at all. When will the people on the fence realize they are being hauled over the carpet? Time for some new signs. Show up at your state capitals and bring your friends, families, and loud voices!!