Maybe, there are conflicting reports out this morning. The Wall Street Journal says yes:
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.
The Republicans rejected the idea that the legislation would hurt the GOP. “If you think this is a bad bill for Republicans, why didn’t you stand up in the chamber and debate us about it three weeks ago?” said Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald. “People think it’s absolutely ridiculous that these 14 senators have not been in Wisconsin for three weeks.”
The Wisconsin standoff, which drew thousands of demonstrators to occupy the capitol in Madison for days at a time, has come to highlight efforts in other states to address budget problems in part by limiting the powers and benefits accorded public-sector unions.
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 it, is expected to pass the Republican-controlled chamber.
TPM, on the hand, says no and offers up this quote from state Sen. Chris Larson released this statement:
Sen. Miller’s comments are taken out of context in the Wall Street Journal article just released. Dems will return when collective bargaining is off the table. That could be soon based on the growing public opposition to the bill and the recall efforts against Republicans. Unfortunately, the WSJ fished for the quote they wanted, skipping this key step in logic: we won’t come back until worker’s rights are preserved.
So who’s right? No idea, your guess is as good as mine. All last week we heard reports about dissension in the ranks and how some GOP Senators might break ranks and scuttle their party’s efforts. This strikes as more or less the same kind of noise. Frankly I don’t see either side backing down anytime soon, the democrats in particular have painted themselves into a corner… if they come back Governor Walker’s Budget Repair will most likely pass. If they don’t the Governor has warned that layoffs could begin in about 15 days.
I know a lot of you are worried about the polls showing Gov. Walker’s plan is unpopular in Wisconsin, I’m not… One of the dirty little secrets of poll is that how you ask the questions can greatly effect the way people answer. That’s something Scott Rasmussen digs into this morning. O tend to think once the bill passes and people realize that it a) really does save money, b) are still getting the services they want c) discover that Gov. Walker’s reforms aren’t all that drastic public support will rebound.
Update: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is reporting that fleebagger in chief Mark Miller wants a meeting with Goc. Walker “near the Wisconsin-Illinois border” before they’ll return:
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.
Oh come on, personaly, I’d agreed to the meeting and then slap the cuffs on him moment he crosses the border… This is beyond silly, Sen. Miller and his fellow fleebaggers are acting spoiled children throwing a tantrum. If they want a voice in the process, they should get back to the capitol… Stomping you feet and pouting while instead of hiding out in Illinois is not leadership.
H/T: Hot Air.