The Wisconsin Cheese Showdown

[Franzl]

I still think Walker's an idiot....but public employee unions are a terrible disease.

[Franzl]

It appears they've flown to Rockford, Illinois.

[Franzl]

All soldiers in the war against Corporatism.

ugh....what?

[Franzl]

But you said it yourself....what do corporations have to do with public employees?

[Franzl]

His point is that both methods obstruct legislative business effectively. Doesn't matter what you call it.

[Franzl]

Wisconsin polarized as always.

[Franzl]

If the state senate had the votes to abolish collective bargaining now, they could "go nuclear" and do it. They have no reason not to strip that out from the fiscal bill and pass it with their reduced quorum. Many people feared Walker would do it.

But the fact that they haven't and the GOP leader in the State Senate said he would not move on this until the Dems returned is a tell that they haven't got the votes within their caucus to do so.

Alternatively, though....if there isn't a majority in favor of the bill, why are Democrats having a problem showing up? If there aren't enough votes to pass, there would be no reason to stay in Illinois.

[Franzl]

Because Walker is refusing to compromise?
Seriously, the guy rejected his own party leader's proposal. Obviously he sees himself as some kind of conservative hero and accepting any kind of compromise will undercut that image.

You misunderstand me.

Brittain was saying that the fact that Republicans aren't using "the nuclear option" means that they don't have the necessary majority to pass the bill.

I'm asking why the Democrats need to flee Wisconsin if the Republicans do not have enough votes. It seems like the only reason to be in Illinois is to prevent a 60% quorum being present....but that only seems logical if they know 50%+ support passing the bill.

[Franzl]

A couple of reasons:
1. They don't know the true state of play in the caucus the way the GOP leader does. There are probably senators who are wavering, but not committed no votes.

That's true, yeah.

[Franzl]

I'm so sorry to hear that. You have my condoleances.

I wouldn't necessarily go as far as to advocate disallowing them entirely....but public sector unions truly are a disease. A disease whose power needs to be seriously reduced.

[Franzl]

I imagine his point is you'd find it hard to survive on your own with your current work.

[Franzl]

lol

Why wasn't this done sooner?

[Franzl]

I'm perfectly willing to discuss (at least partial) public financing of campaigns in connection with private spending limits.

Actually seems like a reasonable thing. These political issues shouldn't be about politics.

[Franzl]

If money made elections, Tom Foley and Linda McMahon would be Governor and US Senator right now. Oh, and Jerry Brown wouldn't have won by a huge margin in California.

It sure doesn't hurt. Otherwise corporations wouldn't be donating those amounts.

[Franzl]

Yes. And that's precisely why I would be quite willing to discuss spending caps.