Wall Street Journal: Playing a game of political chicken, Democratic senators who fled Wisconsin to stymie restrictions on public-employee unions said Sunday they planned to come back from exile soon, betting that even though their return will allow the bill to pass, the curbs are so unpopular they'll taint the state's Republican governor and legislators. [...]
Sen. Mark Miller said he and his fellow Democrats intend to let the full Senate vote on Gov. Scott Walker's "budget-repair" bill, which includes the proposed limits on public unions' collective-bargaining rights. The bill, which had been blocked because the missing Democrats were needed for the Senate to have enough members present to vote on the bill, is expected to pass the Republican-controlled chamber.
He said he thinks recent polls showing voter discontent with Mr. Walker over limits on bargaining rights have been "disastrous" for the governor and Republicans and give Democrats more leverage to seek changes in a broader two-year budget bill Mr. Walker proposed Tuesday.Senator Miller may have a point. If Republicans go by the polls out today, they may very well have reason to fear a backlash. However, as the old saying goes, a day in politics is like a lifetime. The budget repair bill is coming so early in both Walker's and the legislature's term, it is hard to tell if these numbers will stick over time, especially if the reforms produce positive results. Here is to hoping the the Senate Republicans are thinking more long term rather than short term.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: The Wall Street Journal
Via: WPRI