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Wisconsin Democrats stay in Illinois, await compromise

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1 of 4. Protesters continue to occupy the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin February 27, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Darren Hauck

MADISON, Wisconsin | Sun Feb 27, 2011 6:13pm EST

MADISON, Wisconsin (Reuters) - Wisconsin's 14 state senate Democrats who left the state to prevent a vote on a bill that would limit collective bargaining for public workers had no plans to return on Sunday, a spokesman said.

"I think obviously people would like to move forward with this and find an agreement that protects workers' rights and balances the budget," said Mike Browne, spokesman for Democratic state senate minority leader Mark Miller.

Asked when the Democrats would return to Wisconsin from various locations in Illinois, Browne said, "Not today."

Republican Gov. Scott Walker said in a "Meet the Press" interview on Sunday that limits to collective bargaining were needed to address the state's budget deficit. He said the Democrats should come back, debate and vote.

Browne said that "there's an opportunity here to find agreement."

"That will require the Republican leadership and the governor to come to the table," Browne said. "That's what the Democrats continue to ask for."

(Writing by Mary Wisniewski, Editing by Peter Bohan)
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Comments (22)
djlowballer wrote:
If you cannot get what you want, take your ball and go to Illinois? Seriously these men should be recalled for acting in such a childish way.

Feb 27, 2011 6:26pm EST  --  Report as abuse
GAPETERSON1958 wrote:
I would guess by vitue of job abandonment and dereliction of duty Wisconsin needs to find some new law makers I would suggest getting some that do not play ostrich when the going gets a little rough, but that’s easy for me to say i’m 800 miles away

Feb 27, 2011 6:39pm EST  --  Report as abuse
Historyguy wrote:
Yeah! How DARE those silly politicians do exactly what Abraham Lincoln did once as a Whig in the Illinois legislature… seriously, these guys are doing exactly what THEY were elected for. Be realistic and think of these things with perspective. At least this is more entertaining than a filibuster-by-vote. A REAL filibuster would be less entertaining than this! Everyone’s trying to do what they think is best. Sooner or later there will be a compromise. The problem will be if the Democrats can trust the Republicans and ever return now. ;-)

Feb 27, 2011 6:39pm EST  --  Report as abuse
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