I doubt anyone is prepping the fatted calf for slaughter, but rumor has it the Democrats are going to be returning from their self-imposed exile. Eric Bradner of the Evansville Courier Press says that Speaker Bosma says that it’s a change to HB 1216 that ended the stalemate. HB 1216 has to do with public works projects and has labor relations language in conjunction with the public works projects.
Bosma says it’s an inconsequential change to that bill. Presumably Bauer will characterize it as a critical change. It’ll be interesting to see what shakes out. Probably the Democrats can be credited with some minor victories and, maybe more importantly, give Republicans who are so inclined just a small amount of cover to allow them to negotiate a bit on issues where their constituents would prefer a hard line. From here on out, the Democrats will presumably cover up, take their lumps, and ride out the session. (But, I could certainly be wrong — I wouldn’t have anticipated this kind of walk out.)
In politics one party often demands more than they expect realizing that a meet-in-the-middle compromise will still weigh in their favor.
It’s like the car salesman who asks $6,000 for a car that’s worth $5,000. He lets the buyer talk him down to $5,500. The buyer declares “victory” and the salesman keeps his mouth shut and just pockets the extra $500.
In this case the Democrats will walk away thinking they got a bargain while the Republicans pocket their “profits.”
There’d be no fatted calf even if the Democrats were returning repentant, as did the original Prodigal, because Brian Bosma is not loving father (not to say he’s a mutha’). As it is, the Democrats are returning only after negotiating a face-saving deal that may or may not have any substance.
I’m wondering how much ill will the Democrats bought by this stunt. I find it hard to think the voters are going to blame the GOP in any large numbers.
Interesting, Roger, and I would ask, I’m wondering how much ill will the Republicans bought and will purchase by this stunt.
I wonder how many people really care that much.
I’m just glad that upon the Democrats’ return, the House took up the matter of creating some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. That is part of the Republicans’ laser focus on jobs, jobs, jobs, you know.