WI Senate Passes Photo ID

Break out the "SHAME, SHAME, SHAME" chants.

The Wisconsin State Senate has passed a bill.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Senate Republicans approved requiring people to show photo ID at the polls amid a cacophonous vote Thursday, with eight Democrats not even voting on the measure in protest and because of confusion over how the proceedings were conducted.

Immediately afterward, the crowd in the Senate gallery thundered with chants of "Shame!" as Republicans exited the chamber. Later, they chanted, "Recall!" and sang, "We Shall Overcome."

"We Shall Overcome"?

Good grief.

Republican Gov. Scott Walker quickly announced he would sign the bill Wednesday in a ceremony at the Capitol.

"Requiring photo identification to vote will go a long way to eliminate the threat of voter fraud," Walker said in a statement. "If you need an ID to buy cold medicine, it's reasonable to require it to vote."

This is a positive step in restoring integrity to Wisconsin's elections.

But Democrats decried the measure, saying it would do little to prevent voter fraud while disenfranchising thousands of minority, elderly and rural voters.

"This is voter suppression," said Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee). "This is voter disenfranchisement. This is voter confusion. This is voter restriction. This is a voter discouragement bill."

Of course, the Dems are whining.

They're not going quietly when it comes to losing Wisconsin as a haven for voter fraud.

It has nothing to do with the disenfranchisement of "thousands of minority, elderly and rural voters."

If Democrats were so concerned about disenfranchisement, the JoAnne Klopppenburg campaign wouldn't be working feverishly to throw out the votes of 7,000 Wisconsinites.

Before debate began at 10 a.m., Senate Republican leaders imposed a one-hour limit on discussion of the bill, frustrating Democrats who engaged in more than nine hours of debate on the bill Tuesday into Wednesday.

When the time came to vote, Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) - the longest-serving state legislator in the country - refused to stop speaking, saying he had already been recognized. Senate President Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) then ordered the roll call vote on the bill.

"In my 50 years, I've never had anyone cut me off!" Risser yelled.

He continued to calmly speak against the bill as the roll call vote was conducted.

What lunacy!

Meanwhile, Democrats attempted to adjourn the Senate proceedings without taking a vote on the photo ID bill. They were ignored.

"You're not following the rules, Mr. President!" Risser yelled at Ellis.

Ellis shot back: "Read the (rule) book!"

The bill passed 19-5. Eight Democrats did not vote on it as they argued with Ellis about how the vote was being conducted. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said they will be able to record their votes in June, when the Senate next meets.

Such ridiculous chaos!

The Democrats need to grow up and follow the rules.

At least they didn't flee the state this time to avoid voting.

Baby steps.