Democratic Walkout Highlights Controversial Day

The Iowa House in session for 2012

Des Moines, Iowa – A day of surprises and controversy hit the Iowa House when State Democrats walked out saying they felt betrayed because todays scheduled debate included 2 Second Amendment bills.

The first bill would be an amendment to the Iowa Constitution that would have to be voted on and passed by two different legislatures and then it would still have to be voted on by Iowans.

The other is called “Stand Your Ground” and would allow for a person to protect themselves with deadly force versus being forced to retreat.

Representative Betty De Boef posted to her Facebook page around 11 am, informing all of those who follow her, about the developments.

The six hour walkout ended when House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy returned, with the other 39 House Democrats, to debate the two bills. House Republicans could have debated without the other party present, but chose not to do so.

The Iowa Senate stayed in session and had none of the controversy of the House. Sen. Tom Rielly (D-Oskaloosa) said that they, “felt they got a little ambushed this morning. There’s certain rules that they follow over at the house.”

“The Republicans should have given them plenty of time [notice that the bill would be debated], and the Democrats should have stayed here and debated.”

When I spoke with Rep. Betty De Boef (R-What Cheer) around 5:30, the House was in full swing with bi-partisan debate. “They’re going to put up a fight on this one.”

“Iowans send their elected representatives to Des Moines to serve them responsibly and to conduct the business of the state. It is unfortunate that Iowa House Democrats walked out on their constituents today. This isn’t Wisconsin or Indiana, and it is a shame that Iowa Democrats copied these antics. Iowans expect their elected representatives to debate issues and vote.”

“I want to thank Speaker Paulsen and the House Republican Caucus for standing their ground and defending Iowans’ natural right to keep and bear arms. The two measures passed tonight affirm Iowans’ fundamental rights, and I hope the Iowa Senate follows the House’s lead.”

By shortly after 8 p.m., both bills had passed the House.

Posted by on Feb 29 2012. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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