Confusion reigned in the state Senate chambers Wednesday afternoon, as Republicans fought for a vote to override Gov. Jim Doyle's concealed carry bill veto and Democrats remained in a closed caucus while hundreds of spectators waited for the vote.
State Senate President Alan Lasee, R-Rockland, and state Senate Majority Leader Mary Panzer, R-West Bend, gave a statement reporting the Republican majority's disapproval of the Democratic caucus.
\It's no secret that I'm really disgusted with the fact that we're not voting on the open floor,"" Lasee said. ""The Democrats have always made a big deal about openness in government, and here they are fighting behind closed doors.""
Panzer said she believed the Democrats were stalling in order to intimidate their colleagues who previously voted for the concealed carry bill.
""Apparently committees are being threatened, lots of arms are being twisted,"" Panzer said. ""I'm not in that caucus, but people ought to be allowed to just take the vote on this issue. At this point, let it fall wherever it is so we can move on.""
Meanwhile, people on both sides of the debate waited in the hallways of the Capitol. Leather-clad bikers and men in hunting outfits mingled with state troopers and veterans of the anti-gun ""Million Mom March."" The spectators' debates over the merits of the bill soon gave way to a bipartisan agreement that the vote should happen as soon as possible. The crowd chanted, stomped their feet, and debated whether to hang a ""Vote Already, Dammit!"" banner from the gallery.
State Sen. Dave Zien, R-Wheaton, the sponsor of the concealed weapons bill, said if Doyle's veto was not overridden, there would be serious political consequences for the Democrats.
""There is no question the Democrats will lose in 2004 if they do not override this veto and that may give us a veto-proof majority,"" he said. ""The Democrats would be smart to just get rid of that veto.""
Supporters and opponents of the bill debated whether the veto override would eventually pass both sections of the legislature. Mary Jo Mueller, a chiropractic assistant from Sheboygan and gun-control advocate, said she believes the Senate will vote to override, but the Assembly will uphold Doyle's veto. Similarly, John Klink, a computer consultant from Hartford and an National Rifle Association member, said he thinks the Senate vote would be a ""slam dunk"" for his side but the Assembly vote would be exceedingly close.
State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said the Republicans' decision to begin the override vote on the same day as the State of the State address was simply a political jab to Doyle.
""[It's] sort of the most crap, partisan move I've seen in a long time,"" he said.
""The only way that bill could be overridden is if Democrats join Republicans to do it,"" said state Rep. John Gard, R-Peshtigo.
Debate and vote on the veto override will resume today.
