Wisconsin Republicans Order Arrest of 14 Democrats Who Fled State
Gov. Scott Walker has ordered the arrest of 14 Democratic legislators who fled Wisconsin in a bid to avoid voting on the governor's controversial budget bill.
The Republican majority in the state Senate passed a resolution Wednesday finding the AWOL Democrats guilty of contempt and disorderly conduct if they didn't make it back to Wisconsin by 4 p.m.
After the deadline passed there was no immediate word that any of the 14 returned.
"We simply cannot have democracy be held hostage because the minority wants to prove a point," Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said. "They have pushed us to the edge of a constitutional crisis."
The GOP actions may end up being simply symbolic, the Wisconsin State Journal reported, pointing out there are questions about whether the resolution is legal under state rules. The Wisconsin Constitution forbids the arrest of lawmakers while the Legislature is in session unless they're suspected of committing felonies, treason or breach of the peace, according to the newspaper.
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans passed a resolution that would impose a $100-per-day fine for members absent without leave for two or more session days. It would also strip missing lawmakers of their expense accounts.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have been gathering for weeks outside the state Capitol to sound off against Walker's budget bill, which would strip the collective bargaining rights of unionized state workers. The measure is just one vote away from being sent to the governor for his signature.
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