Indiana: Tensions flare in House over immigration (GOP walks out)

[Newsjock]

Source: Associated Press

The Indiana House went into partisan meltdown Thursday night over legislation aimed at curbing illegal immigration, with Republicans walking off the floor in protest of procedural moves made by majority House Democrats.

Republicans accused Democrats of using a sneaky maneuver to prevent them from offering changes to legislation that could penalize employers who hire illegal immigrants. Republicans left the floor around 6:30 p.m., and Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer declared around 8 p.m. that the chamber was in recess until Monday.

He said the House would start that day where it left off -- debating the immigration legislation -- and no further amendments besides one they had offered would be considered. He said if Republicans continued to boycott the floor, the impasse would threaten passage of other legislation, including proposed constitutional caps on property tax bills.

... Bauer accused Republicans of trying to push mean-spirited and racist provisions aimed at illegal immigrants themselves instead of those who employ them.

"We don't need a hate debate on this floor," said Bauer, D-South Bend.

Read more: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080221/LOCAL190108/802210560

[frog92969]

1. Great, more walking republicans.

Problem is they always come back.

Did these impulsive neo-cons have a press podium waiting outside like the ones in DC?
Got to give them an A for preparedness.

[pingzing58]

2. With liberty and justice for all.