FDL: 6-7 GOP WI Senators wavering, AND the $100/day fine on Dems was pulled back

[highplainsdem]

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/03/08/wisconsin-sen-jauch-says-6-or-7-republican-senators-dont-want-to-strip-collective-bargaining/

Wisconsin: Sen. Jauch Says 6 or 7 Republican Senators Don’t Want to Strip Collective Bargaining
By: David Dayen Tuesday March 8, 2011 3:00 pm

Throughout the day, we’ve seen statements that show some weakness among State Senate Republicans in Wisconsin to stick with their fearless leader, Gov. Scott “On a Mission from God” Walker. Earlier in the day I mentioned Rob Cowles’ nudge toward compromise. There have been others. Sen. Luther Olsen, the subject of mass protests in his home district, has also said today that he favors some negotiation with Senate Democrats. Republican Sen. Dale Schultz has already as much as said he wants a compromise. And Sen. Dan Kapanke, the subject of a recall effort, reiterated support for the bill but also said that collective bargaining is among issues “still on the table.”

Now, Sen. Bob Jauch (D) has delivered the hammer blow. Jauch, one of the Senate Democrats who has been involved in negotiations, released a long statement on his role in the talks, where he let slip that a half-dozen Republicans or more are wavering on the bill. Only three are needed to shift the advantage to Democrats.

-snip-

For weeks, Republicans have sought to create dissession among Senate Democrats, to pit them against one another. This is one of the first instances of Senate Democrats fighting back. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R) claims that his caucus remains unified – after a two-hour meeting today, it should be noted. But Fitzgerald – or Scott Walker – has basically not been trustworthy throughout this process, making statements about what Democratic Senators have told him that they later flatly deny. Indeed, in the course of this statement, Jauch says that “Governor Walker’s statement that Senator Cullen and I were working for an agreement so that he and I and a couple more legislators could come back to Wisconsin was an absolute lie.”

-snip-

…an interesting postscript: out of nowhere today, the State Senate pulled back their $100 fine against members of the body who missed floor sessions. Republicans made this decision and they did so without debate. They’re actually making it easier on Democrats to stay out of the state longer with this move.

[TK421]

1. something doesn't sound right about this...something stinks here n/t

[buddysmellgood]

2. No, I think they are feeling the pressure of the recounts and looking at the poll numbers. That,

coupled with Walker's ineptitude has to have them worried.

[charmay]

3. They should be worried

but I'm afraid that they're too stupid to be worried. The WI senate republicans are a bunch of Walker-cowed wimps.

[madrchsod]

5. at least two of them just barely won.....

one won by 100 or so votes. ya they are afraid,they can be recalled with less signatures than walker

[Horse with no Name]

11. They already have enough signatures to recall one of the Republicans

if there is anything consistent about republicans--when push comes to shove--they will always preserve their own place at the trough.

[Generic Other]

4. What is this like the first time we've punched back since 2000?

OMG. Please let it roll out of Wisconsin like a runaway snowball!!!!

[pacalo]

6. Wisconsin's protests are catching on fire in other states -- the power is in the 14's hands to do

something good for ALL workers in the nation. I'm so proud of them!

[elocs]

7. I signed the petition to recall Kapanke yesterday.

The guy gathering the signatures was parked on the street with a sign on his truck. He said he only had 1 negative response from passing cars.

[Generic Other]

8. Like signing the Declaration of Indie!! Wahoo!!!

So exciting to watch the tide turn!!

:bounce:

[Snoutport]

10. Thank you!

In Oregon they are about to make a huge cut to special education--hundreds of special ed teachers, school nurses, speech teachers, autism speicalists, etc.... pretty much just cut from the budget.

:( i'm 2.5 years through my probation as a new teacher so I'm gonna be one of the first to go.)

[MannyGoldstein]

9. The Repubs are getting slaughtered on this

Great stuff, fantastic.

See what happens when we fight back? We win.

[tallahasseedem]

12. That means we need to fight...

even harder. The Wisconsin Dems and the true and heroic grassroots movement are doing an amazing job!

We will win this thing...BIG!

[Dawson Leery]

13. This is not the time to let up on the gas pedal.

These "wavering" Republicans could be part of a ploy to get the 14 Dems back into the state.

[socialist_n_TN]

16. Yeah, that would be what I would worry about........

Walker even told the fake "Koch" that he would do something just to get the Dems back, so they could pass the bill. Fuck 'em. Hold out till the cows come home and then some.

[tinrobot]

14. Recall them anyways.

No mercy.

[Blue Owl]

15. Scott Walker is losing.

Scott Walker is losing!

:kick