Wis. protesters buoyed by delay on anti-union bill

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP



By SCOTT BAUER

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Swelling crowds of protesters who have descended on Wisconsin's Capitol in hopes of halting a Republican effort to end a half-century of collective bargaining rights for public workers steeled themselves for a long fight, buoyed by Democrats' decision to flee to avoid the measure's near-certain passage.

With Democrats saying they won't return before Saturday, it was unclear when the Senate would be able to begin debating the measure meant to ease the state's budget woes. Democrats who disappeared Thursday at first kept their whereabouts secret, then started to emerge to give interviews and fan the protests.

While the Senate was paralyzed, the Assembly met on Friday. Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, said the Assembly would vote on the bill later in the day after Democrats have a chance to meet privately. Opponents to the bill packed the Assembly gallery as Democratic lawmakers introduced protesters from their districts and thanked them for their efforts. The crowd applauded and waved their hands silently.

Several hundred protesters were in the building early in the morning, with the ranks expected to swell as the day progressed. Many of them spent the night in the Capitol and another large rally was planned around noon.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20110218/D9LF9AHG1.html

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FULL story at link.

[Tippy]

1. K&R

[Born Free]

2. it might be good if they stayed out all weekend

If they stay out long enough, it will give more time for others to join the protest .

[groundloop]

3. Hell, they should stay out until that bill is withdrawn.

This situation is a direct analog to Reagan firing the air traffic controllers. I hope there's a better outcome this time around, and if there were a fund set up to offer material support for the protesters I'd contribute.

[Kingofalldems]

4. K and R for Wisconsin

[Kingofalldems]

5. Kick for Pro-Democratic Party news

[StarsInHerHair]

6. bringvthem lunches, drinks, etc! rmember

nt