Sen. Wendy Davis hours into marathon filibuster on abortion.

[Karee 4,191]

Wearing pink tennis shoes to prepare for nearly 13 consecutive hours of standing, a Democratic Texas state senator on Tuesday began a one-woman filibuster to block a GOP-led effort that would impose stringent new abortion restrictions across the nation's second-most populous state.

Sen. Wendy Davis, 50, of Fort Worth began the filibuster at 11:18 a.m. CDT Tuesday. To derail a vote in the GOP-dominated Senate, she must keep speaking on the bill until midnight -- the deadline for the end of the 30-day special session.

Before Davis began speaking, her chair was removed. Rules stipulate she remain standing, not lean on her desk or take any breaks -- even for meals or to use the bathroom.

When combined in a state 773 miles wide and 790 miles long and with 26 million people, the measures would close almost every abortion clinic in Texas. A woman living along the Mexico border or in West Texas would have to drive hundreds of miles to obtain an abortion if the law passes.

In her opening remarks, Davis said she was "rising on the floor today to humbly give voice to thousands of Texans" and called Republican efforts to pass the bill a "raw abuse of power."

If the filibuster succeeds, it could also take down other measures. A proposal to fund major transportation projects as well as a bill to have Texas more closely conform with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision banning mandatory sentences of life in prison without parole for offenders younger than 18 might not get votes. Current state law only allows a life sentence without parole for 17-year-olds convicted of capital murder.

Davis was greeted by loud applause and cheers of "Go Wendy!" from hundreds of abortion-rights activists who packed the Senate. Davis motioned for them to be quiet and Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who presides over the chamber, warned the spectators against making loud outbursts.

The sound of small children crying could occasionally be heard from the gallery.

Davis used up large chunks of time reading into the record testimony from women and doctors who would be impacted by the changes.

During one heart-wrenching story describing a woman's difficult pregnancy, Davis choked up several times and wiped tears, but kept reading.

A petite woman who stays in shape by jogging and cycling, Davis tried to stay comfortable and sharp by shifting her weight from hip to hip and slowly walking around her desk while reading notes from a large binder on her desk.

Republicans watched her closely for any rules slipup that would allow them to break the filibuster and call the bill for a vote.

WATCH LIVE: Sen. Davis filibuster in Texas Senate

Read more: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/22678710/texas-senate-set-for-filibuster-finale-on-abortion#ixzz2XHhe0u8L

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hell yeah! That's awesome. Republicans ought to love this since they practically worship the practice of filibusters.

[RGinWA 816]

Texas filibuster is no joke. You have to stay on subject, can't give up the floor. They need this in DC.

[Karee 4,191]

Hell yeah! That's awesome. Republicans ought to love this since they practically worship the practice of filibusters.

I'll never understand how a party that is against spending money on things like welfare can be against abortion. It's illogical.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I'll never understand how a party that is against spending money on things like welfare can be against abortion. It's illogical.

Logic and the Republican Party are on different sides of the fence. There is no logic in much of anything the Republicans have been up to.

Texas filibuster is no joke. You have to stay on subject, can't give up the floor. They need this in DC.

If they had this in DC, the Senate would actually get stuff done.

[Pooky 3,834]

And you can't use the bathroom? Wow, that's harsh!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

And you can't use the bathroom? Wow, that's harsh!

That provision puts a natural end to all filibusters. Good stuff.

[Pooky 3,834]

That provision puts a natural end to all filibusters. Good stuff.

Ah, but a smart and prepared filibusterer would arrive with a large enough colostomy bag to deal with any eventuality.

Edited June 26, 2013 by Pooky

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Ah, but a smart and prepared filibusterer would arrive with a large enough colostomy bag to deal with any eventuality.

[Karee 4,191]

Why not just take a leak on the floor? I wonder if that's against the rules.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Why not just take a leak on the floor? I wonder if that's against the rules.

Might that be considered somewhat offensive? Not in line with proper etiquette and all?

[Karee 4,191]

Might that be considered somewhat offensive? Not in line with proper etiquette and all?

Who cares? This kind of $hit makes me want to move. Detroit is starting look good compared living amongst these idiots.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Who cares? This kind of $hit makes me want to move. Detroit is starting look good compared living amongst these idiots.

You consider moving because of a stupid state legislature? Where to? The grass ain't all that much greener wherever you think you want to go. Here in the sunshine state, we could offer lessons on maximizing corruption in government to African and other third world politicians. They've got nothing on Florida when it comes to perfecting and cementing the practice. We're the lead Banana Republic of this nation. Yeah, Texas is seriously competing for the title but we're still ahead of you guys. But the weather and he beaches are great here so why the hell would I want to move?

[Karee 4,191]

You consider moving because of a stupid state legislature? Where to? The grass ain't all that much greener wherever you think you want to go. Here in the sunshine state, we could offer lessons on maximizing corruption in government to African and other third world politicians. They've got nothing on Florida when it comes to perfecting and cementing the practice. We're the lead Banana Republic of this nation. Yeah, Texas is seriously competing for the title but we're still ahead of you guys. But the weather and he beaches are great here so why the hell would I want to move?

Yeah you're right. I can make more money here in Texas. The more I make, the sooner I can get the hell out of this country altogether.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Yeah you're right. I can make more money here in Texas. The more I make, the sooner I can get the hell out of this country altogether.

There you go, that's the spirit.