By: Associated Press//February 25, 2011
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democrats are still angry with Republicans for abruptly passing a bill that would strip most public sector workers of their collective bargaining rights.
After nearly 61 hours of debate on the bill, Assembly Republicans early Friday morning called for a vote and closed the roll within seconds. The measure passed even though 28 members of the body didn’t vote in time.
Assembly Democratic Minority Leader Peter Barca said the tactic was an underhanded trick. He said his staff is exploring whether the vote was legal but it’s too early to say whether Democrats could challenge the result.
Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald’s office voicemail was full Friday.