State Democrats absent for vote as Wisconsin budget protests swell

By the CNN Wire Staff
 
(CNN) -- The nation's most visible budget battle was heavy on passion and light on attendance Thursday as Wisconsin wrangled over a bill that would strip teachers and other public employees of most of their collective bargaining rights and cut their benefits.

Republican Gov. Scott Walker called for 16 senators -- 14 of them Democrats -- to appear at the Capitol in Wisconsin for a vote on his bill. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said the chamber will reconvene Friday.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller said he and fellow Democrats had left Madison because they were "trying to allow opportunity for democracy to work."

"We will return and do our job, but the governor has to do his job," Miller said. He noted their return is contingent on changes to the controversial legislation.
Walker called on the absent lawmakers to return to Madison "out of respect for the institution of the Legislature and the democratic process."

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