Victory for Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin: Assembly OKs Bargaining Curbs

Protests continue, but Gov. Scott Walker and the Wisconsin GOP on Thursday prevailed against the wearying weeks-long combination of heavy union pressure and a Democratic walkout in the state Senate.

The Assembly voted 53-42 to approve a bill that sharply slashes bargaining rights for government workers. The bill moved like lightning to a relieved Walker, who promised to sign it as soon as he's able.

It took several hours of debate before the measure passed largely along party lines. While the vote was being taken Democrats stood and jeered, "No," and people watching from the gallery began a chant of "shame!" as the Republicans left the chamber.

According to a story in the New York Times, Minority Leader Peter Barca said he believes the vote will not stand. "Even though we are very disappointed, we do have recourse in the courts," he said.

The state Senate finished similar legislation Wednesday. Only Republican members were present to vote. The chambers Democratic minority, who fiercely oppose the measure, remain out of the state and impotent in the discussion, in the voting and in the ultimate outcome.

Thousands of demonstrators, meanwhile, who had converged on the Capitol throughout Thursday, created a tense atmosphere but did nothing to dissuade Republican State Assembly members from voting on the bill that sharply curtails bargaining rights for government workers.
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