Patterico's Pontifications

3/1/2011

Unverified Report: Dem Senator Headed Back to Wisconsin; UPDATE: Sounds Solid To Me

Filed under: General — Patterico @ 9:50 pm



It’s on Twitter and, I repeat, it’s unverified. But it’s from Liberty Chick, whom I find very reliable:

BREAKING: Dem Senator Timothy Cullen has just returned to #WI tonight. WI-14 is now WI-13 #teaparty #wiunion #tcot

Her anonymous source, I can’t vouch for as strongly. (UPDATE: To be clear, because I don’t know who it is.)

We’ll know soon enough.

UPDATE 10:14 p.m.: I have now heard more details and this sounds pretty solid to me. I just chatted with Liberty Chick. She has spoken by phone to someone on the ground who was behind the vehicle carrying the senator. It was seen crossing the state line — by whom I can’t tell you, although I know who. The license plate has been confirmed. Liberty Chick was told that the senator was headed home.

I think it’s true.

UPDATE x2: If the Democrats are really folding, they’re going to need some better security for that Senator, if this is any indication:

More details at Malkin’s place, including screenshots of the union involvement in this unhinged scene.

UPDATE 3-2-11 12:10 p.m.: It appears that Senator Cullen is back with the other AWOL Senators in Illinois. So was the story wrong? I don’t think so. Liberty Chick tells me she stands by the claim that he went to Wisconsin last night, and I think she’s right. I also believe the proof may be revealed soon.

What it all means is anybody’s guess.

39 Responses to “Unverified Report: Dem Senator Headed Back to Wisconsin; UPDATE: Sounds Solid To Me”

  1. She says she will have a full writeup soon.

    Patterico (c218bd)

  2. if this is true, the left will crucify him as a traitor.

    Aaron Worthing (73a7ea)

  3. I was wonderin’ can’t they cut off their paychecks and benefits?

    Torquemada (2a42d3)

  4. Some Wisconsin Democrat State Senator just said he is mooching off his parents and lives paycheck to paycheck.

    Poster Child for “What it means to be Democrat!”

    Torquemada (2a42d3)

  5. torq

    i think about a week ago they told them that they were ending direct deposit for them–they had to pick up their checks in person. heh.

    Aaron Worthing (73a7ea)

  6. #5, Talking about the cheapening of the political process.

    You gotta hold back their checks to get them to vote.

    Dear god, if there is any proof of our need for less government, less elected officials, less teachers, less cops, less firefighters, less zoning, less ……

    Torquemada (2a42d3)

  7. I do not have any wisconsin themed songs for you

    happyfeet (ab5779)

  8. UPDATE 10:14 p.m.: I have now heard more details and this sounds pretty solid to me. I just chatted with Liberty Chick. She has spoken by phone to someone on the ground who was behind the vehicle carrying the senator. It was seen crossing the state line — by whom I can’t tell you, although I know who. The license plate has been confirmed. Liberty Chick was told that the senator was headed home.

    I think it’s true.

    Patterico (c218bd)

  9. you’re welcome

    happyfeet (ab5779)

  10. #7, Gotta mention cheese or Lombardi.

    Torquemada (2a42d3)

  11. I would counsel caution until the moment he showed up in Madison. His home is 20 minutes from the IL border.

    Jib (117a65)

  12. if this is true, the left will crucify him as a traitor.

    Comment by Aaron Worthing

    I’m actually scared for him-it would help if they could get more than just the one Dem Senator to come back..

    madawaskan (fd190b)

  13. UPDATE x2: If the Democrats are really folding, they’re going to need some better security for that Senator, if this is any indication:

    More details at Malkin’s place, including screenshots of the union involvement in this unhinged scene.

    Patterico (c218bd)

  14. What’s the big deal about leaving the state anyway? They couldn’t hang out at an undisclosed location within the state lines? State police are sooo good they would fer sure track ’em down? And then what? physically drag ’em back, kicking and screaming? Silly.

    Icy Texan (b4bda0)

  15. One of the fleeing senators is a pregnant woman who has suggested she is very uncomfortable and stressed to be away from home. (I think they stupidly left in a hasty decision and did not remotely contemplate being away more that 2 weeks). I should think she will also be returning to WI now. Perhaps Sen. Cullen is acting chivalrously so as not to not have her be “the” one on the spot. Or perhaps he knows this is the right thing to do for himself, his state, and his district. I just pray Walker has held firm. Some small compromise would be understandable but nothing major I hope.

    elissa (447ac7)

  16. elissa:

    I think you are right about the pregnant woman.

    Patterico (c218bd)

  17. I hate to add this but-the Republicans might have to give them some kind of *save face* excuse.

    I don’t think Wisconsin state senators had any idea what they would unleash.

    Some writer I think they might have been a Liberal even made the observation that the mob that occupied the vacuum of the Dem Senators leaving were impeding the Democrats ability to compromise.

    Well -that’s what happens when you play to the mob, emotion and what’s most easily understood-the Law Unintended Consequences.

    So again the Republicans are going to have to save the Democrats from themselves and/or the mob.

    madawaskan (fd190b)

  18. elissa – The news did say one senator was pregnant. Seriously, with Wisconsin chicks, how would you know unless you asked or they told you?

    daleyrocks (ae76ce)

  19. Daley, that’s *snicker* so very *guffaw* wr- wr- wr- wro- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

    Icy Texan (b4bda0)

  20. If the Tea Party had even come close to this level of disorder they media would’ve crucified them. I guess it’s OK though if you are on the right left side.

    Kevin M (298030)

  21. –how would you know–

    Yeah daley, for sure a regular diet of brats, cheese curds and Leiny’s can do a number on a gal’s figure.

    elissa (447ac7)

  22. “elissa – The news did say one senator was pregnant. Seriously, with Wisconsin chicks, how would you know unless you asked or they told you?

    Comment by daleyrocks — 3/1/2011 @ 11:04 pm”

    What are you, twelve?

    DaleyIsAss (382560)

  23. Ya hey dere.

    daleyrocks (ae76ce)

  24. Wisconsin girls are built for power, not for speed.

    Xmas (a633e2)

  25. Conjugal. The Unions no longer will pay for hookers.

    cedarhill (1e4ecf)

  26. “We want our democracy back?” They are trying their best to DENY democracy when it disagrees with them. Stupid twits!

    {+_+}

    jdow (98e9d7)

  27. #14 Icy Texan:

    What’s the big deal about leaving the state anyway? They couldn’t hang out at an undisclosed location within the state lines? State police are sooo good they would fer sure track ‘em down? And then what? physically drag ‘em back, kicking and screaming? Silly.

    You’re closer than you realize. The WI constitution gives each house of the legislature the power to compel attendance. If they’d stayed in state, being dragged back by force was a legal possibility. The senate was only short a quorum by one, so if any of them had been located, it would have been all over but the kicking and screaming.

    I expect the Texas constitution has similar provisions, otherwise those AWOL Texas democrats a few years back wouldn’t have need to flee Texas.

    Look up “quorum”, “quorum busting”, and “call of the house”, sometime.

    LarryD (feb78b)

  28. Icy- That’s exactly what they would have done. State Highway Patrol was sent to the homes of at least some of the Senators to track them down. Legally the Sargeant at Arms (correct term?) can have them physically brought in kicking and screaming (or tazed, I imagine), but not once out of the state (unless, I guess, the state in question authorizes Wis. State patrol to come and get them). Indiana state senators did the same thing, hence “Hide Out in Rockford” tourism campaign.

    Here is an audio clip of an interview with the repub state sen in question- very cool and kind about the whole thing:
    http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2011/03/wisconsin-senator-glenn-grothman-talks-with-jim-hoft-after-mobbing-video/
    What I don’t understand is that the state senator went to an entrance and was told it was “for media only” and was turned away, hence the scene walking around the building getting mobbed. That sounds to me inappropriate. Unless a specific entrance had higher security for the governor or visiting federal officials I don’t see why a state senator would be legitimately turned away. So, was this reasoanble, someone’s mistake, a pro-union law official giving him a hard time?

    My understanding is Wisc. had through yesterday to refinance some loans or they would add another 160 million (or so) to the state debt- an action that required the senate to vote. it sounds like the Dem would not have gotten back in time to do that. So, if the state has an additional 160 million of obligation today because of the refusal of the 14 to show up, does the gov/state/individual citizen have any recourse, other than using the fact as campaign material for recall/impeach/defeat in next election?

    MD (from UW-Madison) in Philly (3d3f72)

  29. Alright, long time reader, first time poster but need to jump in the fray due to some really uncalled for comments about WI women! WTH is that about?

    And to clarify, I prefer Spotted Cow with my brat and cheese curds!

    BadgerPackerFan (e8643d)

  30. Comment by BadgerPackerFan

    Sometimes you just need to accept people’s ignorance.

    I would prefer Old Style, but I understand the company went out of business (because of poor business decisions by the owner) and the new product under the name of “Old Style” isn’t as good…Haven’t found it to try yet… It was the unofficial official beer in college, even among those who drank responsibly…

    MD (from UW-Madison) in Philly (3d3f72)

  31. Badger–Those of us who constantly live with stereotypes, cruel jokes and slurs about Chicago and Chicagoans–even though we, personally, are perfectly nice, reasonable, sane, and law abiding people feel your pain.

    elissa (f5fa7c)

  32. LarryD, out here, when we need to collect a wayward legislator we bring a rope — and once they cross the border out of the Republic of Texas they’re branded ex-patriots. 😉

    Icy Texan (b4bda0)

  33. BadgerPackerFan – Why aren’t you ice fishing? Heh!

    daleyrocks (ae76ce)

  34. 31.Badger–Those of us who constantly live with stereotypes, cruel jokes and slurs about Chicago and Chicagoans–even though we, personally, are perfectly nice, reasonable, sane, and law abiding people feel your pain.
    Comment by elissa

    But the comments about Chicago and Chicagoans are true 😉

    MD (from UW-Madison) in Philly (3d3f72)

  35. Any further updates? Was Liberty Chick correct?

    Rose (13d715)

  36. UPDATE 3-2-11 12:10 p.m.: It appears that Senator Cullen is back with the other AWOL Senators in Illinois. So was the story wrong? I don’t think so. Liberty Chick tells me she stands by the claim that he went to Wisconsin last night, and I think she’s right. I also believe the proof may be revealed soon.

    What it all means is anybody’s guess.

    Patterico (96c7b5)

  37. “But the comments about Chicago and Chicagoans are true ;-)”

    MD (from UW-Madison) in Philly – That’s different! Fish boil Friday!

    daleyrocks (ae76ce)

  38. Notes from a labor front closer to home.

    Angeleno (4e9907)

  39. Patterico, this Milwaukee Journal piece from today verifies that there were meetings between the Wisconsin senators and Walker staff IN southern WI (Kenosha and S. Beloit) as your source reported. But the gov. is putting his foot down with respect to more meetings. Many will question why there have even been this many and why the “negotiating” senators were not shanghaied back to the Capitol when they set foot into WI. Looks like Walker isn’t caving, though and definitely looks like the adult here.

    http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/117524978.html

    elissa (8aaf3d)


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