The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, continuing to carry out its role in the Democrat-Union-Media Complex, reports that Democrat minority leader Sen. Mark Miller wants a face-to-face meeting with Governor Scott Walker, near the Wisconsin - Illinois border.
Read Miller's letter.
White Castle in Gurnee, anyone?
The leader of Senate Democrats hiding out in Illinois is seeking a face-to-face meeting with Gov. Scott Walker and the Senate GOP leader.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) said in a letter sent out Monday that he wants to meet with Republicans "near the Wisconsin-Illinois border to formally resume serious discussions" on Walker's budget repair bill. Two other Democratic senators met with Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) last week in Kenosha.
Democrats have been holed up south of the state line since last month to block action on Walker's budget repair bill, which would end most collective bargaining for public employee unions in the state.
"I assure you that Democratic state senators, despite our differences and the vigorous debate we have had, remain ready and willing to find a reasonable compromise," Miller said in the letter.
...The Wall Street Journal spurred hopes of compromise Sunday with a story citing Miller and saying the Democrats would be back "soon." But that same night Democrats knocked that down, saying that they hoped to return soon but that there was still no development to make that happen.
Miller spokesman Mike Browne said Monday morning that he knew of no plans for Democrats to return later in the day. The senators were scheduled to meet later in the morning or early afternoon, he said.
Miller's letter to Gov. Walker is in response to the Wall Street Journal piece.
I think the AWOL Dems realize they're looking like complete buffoons. One says they'll be returning to Wisconsin very soon, then another says no one is going back.
As Gov. Walker spelled out in his press conference, serious negotiations with the AWOL Democrats have been ongoing. The administration and Republicans believe they are negotiating in good faith and then the Dems run amok.
The way the Democrats and their union partners are conducting themselves is a disgrace.
I can't wait for the paper trail to eventually be revealed. I can't wait to learn the specifics of the Dems' flight and the discussions to get them back.
Clearly, Gov. Walker is frustrated with all the waffling.
Video of today's press conference.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Gov. Scott Walker said Monday that Sen. Mark Miller has been standing in the way of breaking an impasse that has kept 14 Senate Democrats in Illinois.
In pointed comments directed at Miller, a Monona Democrat who leads Democrats in the Senate, Walker said members of his staff had tried to negotiate with the missing Democrats, only to have Miller "stand in the way."
"Sen. Miller is misleading the public, just like he misled us," Walker said at a news conference at which he was flanked by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and his brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon). Walker added that Miller was even misleading his own caucus.
"Sen. Miller is not in charge of the caucus," Scott Fitzgerald said.
Walker was reacting to Miller's request that Walker, Scott Fitzgerald and Miller meet to discuss a way to end the impasse.
Walker said he had authorized staff members to meet with Democrats last week, once at a McDonald's restaurant in Kenosha. But a deal broke down, he said.
"The problem is Sen. Miller," Walker said.
If there are doubts about Gov. Walker standing firm, those doubts should be erased.
When it comes to the story of the AWOL Dems, he has reality on his side.
There is no way that Gov. Walker should personally go to Illinois to meet with the runaway Dems.
There's a place for elected Democrats and Republicans to debate - the Capitol in Madison.
_______________
Stephen Hayes reacts to Miller's letter:
Letter from WI Dem Ldr offering meeting at WI-IL border is a silly PR stunt. Sides have been talking regularly; Sen GOP Ldr Fitz met w/Dems
Exactly.
No comments:
Post a Comment