Amazing. Walker's minions in the assembly closed the vote on the budget after mere seconds.

[BzaDem]

Just enough seconds for all Republicans to vote, and very few Democrats. The final bill passed 51-17, because so few Democrats got to vote (or their "no" vote button-presses weren't registered in the few seconds the vote was open). And then the Republicans adjourned and left the building, right after the vote closed, while Democrats (rightfully) went ballistic.

The Republicans didn't need to do this at all. They could have left the vote open for the normal amount of time, and let everyone vote. It still would have passed the assembly, and it would still be stuck in the Senate (since the Democrats fled). Yet they had to figure out some way to stick it to the Dems -- even though they would win this vote. Apparently they decided to not even let the Democrats have the dignity of being able to vote no.

Video of reaction in assembly after vote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGDp581g9t0

TPM article describing situation:

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/wi-assembly-gop-passes-walker-budget-in-surprise-vote----dems-chant-shame.php

[Tatiana]

1. If there is any justice, these Republicans will all lose their seats. SHAME!

Unreal. They really do find it easier to operate under a dictatorship.

[ellenrr]

2. more on this

"Debate had gone on for 60 hours and 15 Democrats were still waiting to speak when the vote started around 1 a.m. Friday. Speaker Pro Tem Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, opened the roll and closed it within seconds.

Democrats looked around, bewildered. Only 13 of the 38 Democratic members managed to vote in time.

Republicans immediately marched out of the chamber in single file. The Democrats rushed at them, pumping their fists and shouting "Shame!" and "Cowards!"

The Republicans walked past them without responding.

Democrats left the chamber stunned. The protesters greeted them with a thundering chant of "Thank you!" Some Democrats teared up. Others hugged.

"What a terrible, terrible day for Wisconsin," said Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee. "I am incensed. I am shocked.""

(yahoo news)

[nxylas]

19. " Republicans immediately marched out of the chamber in single file"

Were they wearing jackboots?

[lib_wit_it]

3. The sleazy bastards.

[eShirl]

4. k&r

[juajen]

5. How could that be considered a legitimate vote? Democrats should

revisit this vote and make it null and void.

[kentuck]

6. These Repubs are playing games with peoples lives...

If President Obama is supposed to be the President of all the people, the Governor of Wisconsin is supposed to be Governor for all the people of Wisconsin. He is a disgrace.

[Enthusiast]

7. Disgrace is the nature of Republicans today. nt

[AC_Mem]

8. SHAME

I cannot honestly believe this is taking place in The United States of America. I'm stunned.

Does anyone think that more Democrats will be leaving Wisconsin? Will it make a difference if NO DEMOCRATS are there to vote in the House and Senate?

How have we come to this? I don't understand. This is not my country; WI is looking like libya under a dictator every day.

STAY STRONG WISCONSIN, YOU HAVE GOOD AND RIGHT ON YOUR SIDE!!!

Annette

[Poboy]

9. recommend

[vaberella]

10. I'm not understanding. Why did the Dems come back?

Walker said this is exactly what he would do in that tape if they did come back. Ugh....

[NYC Liberal]

14. It's the Senate Dems that left, this is the Assembly.

Those Dems are still away

[vaberella]

24. I don't get it still. Why didn't the Assembly leave? n/t

[NYC Liberal]

25. In the Wisconsin Senate, a quorum (for fiscal bills)

is 20 Senators. There are 19 Republicans and 14 Democrats, so the Republicans don't have enough members to do things on their own...they'd need one Democrat there.

In the Assembly the numbers are different.

[Kip Humphrey]

11. Intentional... They want Democrats portrayed as "those ANGRY Democrats" in the media

too bad it worked. :banghead:

[vaberella]

13. Completely. n/t

[GoCubsGo]

17. And, if they didn't get angry?

Then they would be portrayed as wimps and pushovers. Damned if they do. Damned if they don't.

[gratuitous]

12. I'm so old, I remember . . .

There used to be a time when the United States was against this kind of Politburo-style rigged voting. Now? It's SOP for one of the political parties, the one that likes to call itself the real Americans and imply that they're the only true heirs to the founding fathers, and faithful interpreters of the Constitution.

What about it, Wisconsin? Is this how things work in your state?

[HereSince1628]

15. Brazen show of authoritarianism considering the whole world

is watching them.

I guess they are hoping Red China will recognize this as a business friendly environment and send the Milwaukee Tool Manufacturing plant back to Wisconsin.

[GoCubsGo]

20. Yep. The GOPolitburo

[Lucinda]

16. It's amazing that they did this when all eyes are on the state

Really unwise move.

[rdking647]

18. its even more proof

how big of an asshole they are. they dont give a shit about fairness or democracy.. Its even more reason the wisconsn 14 should stay away as long as needed.. and why the GOP needs to be recalled as soon as possible.
Id love to see the GOP explanation on why they had to close the vote in seconds..

Like ve said before. The GOP has declared war. Its time for the progressives to realize it and fight back at every opportunity.. If that means shutting down a state so be it. If that means a general strike,so be it. Its time to put an end to the corporate paid shills

[Poboy]

21. .

[Scurrilous]

22. K & R

:thumbsup:

[steve2470]

23. k&r nt