AWOL Wisconsin Dem Outwits Republicans

[RandySF]

Wisconsin state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, one of the 14 Democrats who have fled the state in order to block budget quorum on Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union proposals, has just beaten the Republicans in one of their key efforts to force Dems back to the state - by collecting his legislative pay.

Senate Republicans last week passed a rule suspending the direct-deposit of absent legislators' pay, requiring them to show up in person at the Capitol -- in effect, to provide a quorum -- in order to receive a check.

However, as WisPolitics reports, Erpenbach found a workaround: He granted power-of-attorney to two members of his staff, thus authorizing them to conduct many important personal decisions and financial actions on his behalf -- such as picking up his paycheck.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/03/awol-wisconsin-dem-beats-the-system-gets-his-paycheck-mailed-to-him.php?ref=fpblg

[lame54]

1. what an asinine move...

as if they are living paycheck to paycheck

Walker is an evil idiot

[elfin]

2. This guy look better and better

as a possible governor. He is ALL OVER the local and national media and presents a reasoned and pleasant to look at demeanor.

His Wiki resume is thin, but he is gaining exposure big time, which could serve him and Wisconsin well.

After Barrett lost, I despaired the dem bench was depleted of strong enough and well enough known possible candidates. No longer.

Thanks, Scooter for raising Jon's profile and making him look so good.

[blogslut]

4. I've been very impressed with him

He"s clever and he's got great dry wit.

[snagglepuss]

5. +1

[Frustratedlady]

3. I get the feeling the Repubs aren't that sharp, so he might not have much

competition.

I sure haven't been impressed by any I've seen in operation.

I would imagine that by tomorrow night, they will be having a group :banghead:

[jp11]

6. AWOL implies he and the others left without permission as if permission was required to

leave and some law/rule was broken which AFAIK it wasn't, simply that their presence IS required to have the vote, not that they can't leave. I'm sure if it is possible to amend that rule it would be changed by republicans to prevent this from happening again when permissible.

Good for him and others who might actually need their paycheck in another week or whenever.