Wisconsin Legislature Shuts Down Comment Line After Too Many Complaints

[babylonsister]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/wisconsin-legislature-shuts-down-comment-line-after-too-many-complaints.php?ref=fpb

Wisconsin Legislature Shuts Down Comment Line After Too Many Complaints
Evan McMorris-Santoro | February 21, 2011, 5:18PM


The protesters amassed outside the state capitol in Madison, WI and their supporters across the country have succeeded in getting state Republicans to back down on at least one front: the toll-free Legislative Hotline that the legislature has kept open 24 hours a day for more than 20 years.

After a flood of calls that legislative staff tell TPM came from "unions and other non-profits," the legislature's Sergeant at Arms ordered the number disconnected Friday, a move that according to sources could save the state quite a bit of money as the protests against Gov. Scott Walker's (R) union-busting budget plan rage.

One union source said he didn't know about the call flooding, but he said that Republicans have another thing coming if they believe taking down a phone number will silence the frustrated union supporters with their eyes on Madison this week.

During business hours, the Legislative Hotline is answered by a real person, a longtime staffer in the Sergeant at Arms office told me. Normally, people call to ask who their legislator is and how to contact him or her -- usually so the caller can complain about something the state government's up to.

The Hotline doesn't take the complaint -- it merely helps constituents find the right politician to complain to (or, in what is likely much more rare instances, offer a compliment to).

[Dappleganger]

1. Way to promote democracy!

Maybe it's time to to start sending them snail mail. By the bag loads.

[Sonoman]

3. Like when we sent San Francisco phone books to O'Reilly.

Damn, that was fun.

Sonoman

[BlueIdaho]

4. Yes! Someone has to handle all that mail.

Time to throw a wrench in the gears of the governor's machine, bring it to a grinding halt.

[leftstreet]

2. No pizzas for them!

K&R

[Jackpine Radical]

5. Smuggled pic of WI Republican Senator:

SHUDDUP! SHUDDUP! SHUDDUP!

[babylonsister]

6. Perfect!! nt

[Jackpine Radical]

7. I couldn't resist. I also put it in an OP.

[Celtic Raven]

8. I am so stealing that!

:rofl:

:thumbsup: