Dear Republicans a "quorum delay" in Wisconsin is no fucking different than a filibuster . . .

[wndycty]

. . .in the United States Senate. Save your sanctimonious lectures for someone who cares.

[Better Believe It]

1. Actually it is different. Democratic Senators under their "dual track" rule permit the Senate

to debate and vote on other proposed Senate legislation during a phantom "procedural filibuster"on a specific bill.

Only that one specific bill is held up and not voted on during a "procedural filibuster".

[wndycty]

2. Regardless they are both delay tactics

:kick:

[ashling]

3. One of the students in my govt class

posted a news item about WI and made the comment that he thought they ought to go to work and do their job, i.e., vote,

This was part of my response:

What is the job of an elected representative? It entails a lot more than just going to the Capitol everyday and voting. In the long run it is the job of the elected representative to affect the making of policy through various means.

Legislating is much more than just voting on the floor of the House or Senate. It entails long hours of research, study, negotiation. Also, an effective legislator is skilled in the use of parliamentary procedure.

Votes are often delayed by parliamentary means so that further negotiation and - deal making - can effect the final piece of legislation. From making a motion to table to placing a hold or filibustering the action (in the Senate) and even keeping something from coming to a vote by denying the presence of a quorum.





The Democrats in Wisconsin are controlling the vote by denying the presence of a quorum. They are representing the interests of a sizable constituency of Wisconsin public employees who are, they believe, being “sold down the river” by Gov. Ryan. They have chosen this as a last resort to slow down the legislation so that a compromise can be reached. Apparently there are already 2 or 3 Republicans who may be interested in a bipartisan solution.