Senate GOP in Wisconsin Order Police to Take AWOL Dems Into Custody

[JohnSmith2007 353]

Senate GOP in Wisconsin Order Police to Take AWOL Dems Into Custody

Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate passed a resolution Thursday calling for police to take 14 Democrats into custody for contempt after they fled to Illinois to avoid voting on a bill that would strip public-sector unions of nearly all their collective bargaining rights.

Republicans voted 19-0 to give Democrats until 4 p.m. Thursday to return to the chamber or be found "in contempt and disorderly behavior."

The vote comes two weeks after the Democrats left, effectively delaying the vote on Gov. Scott Walker's proposal.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said the action is legally different from an arrest, but "definitely a shift from asking them politely."

The resolution gives the sergeant at arms the authority to take any and all steps, with or without force and assistance from police, to bring the senators back.

The state Constitution prohibits the arrest of lawmakers while in session unless they're accused of committing felonies, treason or breach of peace.

But James Troupis, a private attorney hired by Fitzgerald, argued Thursday that the move is legal, because the state Constitution allows each house to "compel the attendance of absent members," the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/03/03/senate-gop-wisconsin-order-police-awol-dems-custody/#ixzz1FZKkwh2k

[Zero Sum 305]

Awesome. Long live democracy and all its expressions.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The state Constitution prohibits the arrest of lawmakers while in session unless they're accused of committing felonies, treason or breach of peace.

But James Troupis, a private attorney hired by Fitzgerald, argued Thursday that the move is legal, because the state Constitution allows each house to "compel the attendance of absent members," the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

You gotta love a well paid lawyer. Oh my God....oh....

[JohnSmith2007 353]

You gotta love a well paid lawyer. Oh my God....oh....

The quotes mean it comes from the state constitution. A document the senators gave an oath to abide by and to protect. You have a problem with that?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

The Senate also voted to institute a "call of the house," which is the mechanism used to compel senators to return to the chamber.

That means the Senate sergeant at arms can "with or without force" and with or without the help of law enforcement take missing members into custody and bring them to the Capitol.

Fitzgerald said the senators could only be taken into custody if they return to Wisconsin.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_8d9ad090-45bd-11e0-bf68-001cc4c03286.html

[Zero Sum 305]

The Senate also voted to institute a "call of the house," which is the mechanism used to compel senators to return to the chamber.

That means the Senate sergeant at arms can "with or without force" and with or without the help of law enforcement take missing members into custody and bring them to the Capitol.

Fitzgerald said the senators could only be taken into custody if they return to Wisconsin.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_8d9ad090-45bd-11e0-bf68-001cc4c03286.html

And that right there makes this measure a show of stupidity on their part.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The quotes mean it comes from the state constitution. A document the senators gave an oath to abide by and to protect. You have a problem with that?

It's that well paid lawyer's liberal interpretation of what it means to compel someone. Oh boy.... I'm looking forward to hearing about him being laughed out of court over this one.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

It's that well paid lawyer's liberal interpretation of what it means to compel someone. Oh boy.... I'm looking forward to hearing about him being laughed out of court over this one.

Section. 5.

Clause 1: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Clause 2: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.

That's the US Constitution. I suppose the Wisconsin Constitution is similar.

[luckytxn 2,264]

I seen this happen in another state years ago.

[Zero Sum 305]

That's the US Constitution. I suppose the Wisconsin Constitution is similar.

I imagine compelling reasons must include criminal detention under certain 'interpretations' of

under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Interesting. And here I thought the GOP was interested in having their voice heard as part of the cooperative legislative process. Oh I forgot that only applies when they are in the national minority, when they seem to think that its still 'their way, or the filibuster.'

Having political memory sure is inconvenient to so many.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Guess running away from problems is a Socialist solution. Seems to work and is fun to watch to the rest of us.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Welcome to the Police State.

[JohnSmith2007 353]

Compelling an elected official to do his sworn duty. What a concept. Yeah, real police state to insist that someone do the job they were elected to do and are paid to do.

[Zero Sum 305]

Compelling an elected official to do his sworn duty. What a concept. Yeah, real police state to insist that someone do the job they were elected to do and are paid to do.

Compelling via custody is hardly insisting. Its more like coercing.

Besides, as its been noted, they are not getting paid.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Compelling via custody is hardly insisting. Its more like coercing.

Besides, as its been noted, they are not getting paid.

I think that lawyer has left enough room for considering waterboarding as a form of compelling them.