Wisconsin Senate Democrats Offer a Profile in Cowardice

Dodging a quorum isn't a new tactic. It's cheap, but within the rules, and both parties do it. I don't know how often it's done in other states, but I'm familiar with the tactic in Texas:

In 1979, Democrats in Texas refused to show up over a bill to change the state's primary date - "The Killer Bees". I couldn't verify if they left the state, but I don't think so. The state troopers were fairly incompetent in tracking them down, though they did accidentally arrest one legislator's brother and forcibly took him to Austin. Poor guy.

In 1993, Republicans did the same (a one-day event to protest a bill over how judges are elected) - they were called (cleverly) "The Killer W.A.S.P.s". They did not leave the state; merely evaded state troopers. I worked in the legislature for that one; it was viewed as a pretty darn funny event. I know one legislator at least was playing golf that day.

In 2004, Democrats again denied a quorum over a redistricting bill, and they did actually leave the state (hiding out in Oklahoma) - "The Killer D's"

For those keeping count, that's about once per decade over the last 30 years.

Leaving the state is cowardly, in my view, but smart. There's nothing the GOP can do, short of kidnapping the Democratic senators and transporting them back across state lines. Which would be just slightly illegal.

Of course, the Republicans could (and should) take care of all sorts of business that only requires a simple majority, and not allow the Democrats any input whatsoever, unless they return. That, too, is cheap - but within the rules.

Rich of CO 5:50PM February 28, 2011

Most people are so busy with their lives that it is difficult to know exactly how state unions work, how much people in the public sector (with benefits) are given in total compensation, comparing the public sector to the private sector.

I do know in my state that I have seen teachers go on strike when their demands are not met. I can understand people in either the public or private sector wanting fair pay and fair benefits. At the same time, I was disgusted to see teachers walk off the job just before the start of school, in my view that was a real manipulation, and unfair to children and parents.

It's very difficult to generalize as each person has his/her own perspective, and rules and laws do vary from state to state. I think the behavior of the Democrats in this particular situation, essentially not showing up for work and not behaving responsibly, was juvenile, with little thought to the consequences. Also not so good for peoples' perspective of the Democratic Party.

Tim B of WA 1:40AM February 28, 2011

Although I understand where you are coming from with accountability and respect your opinion, I don't like putting my information out on the internet. Putting information on the internet does not require fortitude. It requires a large helping of underestimation of what people can do with the information you put out.

You sir, are quite rude. I called no one stupid or a coward. I did have or did not blame anything on anyone. I just made a point that Abraham Lincoln tried to use the same tactic the Democrats did. Furthermore, what gives you the right to "say" what Abraham Lincoln would think about my "cowardice"? Were you his bff? Are you channeling his spirit? What gives you the right to say what he would think or say.

Michael Cerkas, you are rude and ignorant. You know not my positions on this issue. I merely stated a fact.

New friend of Michael Cerkas of MS 9:08PM February 24, 2011

If you are going to voice an opinion, at least have the guts to sign in with your real name.

Hiding behind 'adfgadgffdg' of AL takes zero courage and Abraham Lincoln who you so aptly referenced, would have been ashamed of you. You exemplify a portion of what is wrong in America... a lack of accountability and the willingness and DESIRE to constantly blame others for the problems we are all in TOGETHER.

I may not agree with Margaret Parisi of MA, however, I respect her right to voice her opinion as well as her fortitude to identify herself.

Anything less is cowardly, just like the actions/behavior of the 14 Democratic State Senators from Wisconsin.

Michael Cerkas of WI 6:29PM February 24, 2011