Assembly Passes Budget; 5:07 A.M. GOP Says NO

Update V: Democratic sources say the members stood together in torpedoing the many GOP budget amendments.

Update IV: State Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison): "After months of public debate and scrutiny, during an incredibly difficult economic crisis, I am proud to say we passed a budget that holds true to our values. This budget makes tough spending cuts, protects working families from tax increases, and preserves our commitment to job growth, health care, education, and public safety." - via WisPolitics

Update III: WisPolitics: Assembly passes its version of the budget after all-nighter. All Republicans vote 'no,' see roll call vote at WisPolitics. On to the Senate where Democrats hold an 18-15 majority.

Update II: The three people cited in the Gallup poll on the leaders of the Republican Party: Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney and Newt Gingrich top the list with 29%; 46% of Republicans say they can't name a leader or asserted there isn't one.

Remember Linda Blair’s reply to ‘who are you?’ in The Exorcist: "Eno-on-ma-I." Translation: I am no one.

Maybe we should get GOP star Bobby Jindal in Madison to perform an exorcism on these guys. Seems fitting for these nihilistic strangers possessed of strange personalities, mean-spirited inclinations and anti-social tendencies.

Update: 4:59 A.M. and the GOP says ... No.

From the Democratic Convention last night in Green Bay, Tom Kertscher of the Journal Sentinel reports:

‘I don't think anyone knows what (Republicans) are offering’ on issues such as education and health care, [Gov.] Doyle said. ‘All we have been getting from them is the same refusals and the tired political tactics that go nowhere.’ ... As for the budget cuts, 'Wisconsin Democrats know it takes hard work, not playing politics, to go forward,' Doyle said.

At the Capitol the GOP picks off a few Democrats and at 1:00 A.M. Saturday, one could watch Wisconsin Eye and the Grand Obstruction Party blocking the people's budget.

Maybe the budget should include less money for health care, less public education, and more government control over women's bodies. That might shut the Republicans up and get this thing passed.

The GOP is digging its hole deeper. Women, Latinos and working families will not forget.