Last Call

Wisconsin Republicans spent three weeks complaining that the 14 Democratic state senators that left were "destroying democracy" in the state.  Now that the Democrats are back, Republicans have responded.

By promptly removing the Dems' right to vote in committee.

As WisPolitics reports, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R) sent a letter to his fellow Republicans, reminding them that they had previously found the Democrats to be in contempt of the chamber -- and as such, they are not to be allowed to vote on committees:

Please note that all 14 Democrat senators are still in contempt of the Senate. Therefore, when taking roll call votes on amendments and bills during executive sessions, Senate Democrats' votes will not be reflected in the Records of Committee Proceedings or the Senate Journal. They are free to attend hearings, listen to testimony, debate legislation, introduce amendments, and cast votes to signal their support/opposition, but those votes will not count, and will not be recorded.

Old Wisconsin GOP excuse:  Why won't you come back and vote?  We'll ignore you and do whatever we want!

New Wisconsin GOP excuse: Now you can't vote.  We'll ignore you and do whatever we want!

Democracy in action, Republican style.