INDIANAPOLIS, March 21 (UPI) -- Despite controlling two branches of state government, Indiana Republicans are virtually powerless while 39 House Democrats remain out of state, observers say.
The Democrats -- holed up in Urbana, Ill., -- managed to bring the business of governing to a halt for more than a month, winning concessions from their GOP counterparts in Indianapolis, The Indianapolis Star reported.
So far, the absent Democrats have hung together despite fines, the threat of censure and accusations about being derelict, and have denied the House the quorum it needs to do any legislative business.
Republicans say they're going to move on without House Democrats. Senate leaders said the upper chamber will take control to salvage bills caught up in the House flap, the Star said.
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Still, nothing -- absolutely nothing -- can become law until House Democrats return for a quorum. No budget. No redistricting. No education reforms. The legislative session is scheduled to end April 29.
As long as they have the ability to deny Republicans a quorum, "we don't ever lose our leverage," Democratic state Rep. Scott Pelath said. "This was written into the constitution for a reason. It's to prevent overreach."
Rep. Tom Saunders, R-Lewisville, blamed the situation in part on greater political polarization and stepped-up media coverage on lobbying so that lawmakers shy away from lobbyist-sponsored events that allow lawmakers to mingle.
"There's just no socializing anymore," Saunders said. "I think our 19 freshman members just see those 40 Democrat seats over there. I don't think they see people. It's easier to negotiate with people you have some kind of relationship with, or an understanding of their districts and their families."
