Quick Draw McMadsen
Parliamentary procedure is meant to keep the lawmaking process civil and orderly. In the right hands, it is also a good way to screw the opposition.
Energetic, zealous -- did someone say underhanded? -- Sen. Mark Madsen almost pulled a fast one last week on his guns-in-cars bill.
A majority of the Law Enforcement Committee opposed the controversial bill. But when the committee met again, several members were delayed.
Madsen, however, made sure his supporters would all be prompt, including, Sen. Chris Buttars who has been ill most of the session.
With just enough members to convene the meeting, Madsen introduced his gun bill and, viola!, it passed.
All's fair in love and war -- and it seems, "Roberts Rules of Order."
Unfortunately, a few minutes later the opposition arrived. Sen. Patrice Arent, advised by Sen. Mike Dmitrich on parliamentary procedure, was able to bring the gun bill up for reconsideration.
Wham! It was tossed into rules limbo where it will need a two-thirds majority to be resurrected.
"You live by the rules, you die by the rules," Madsen said later. "It was worth a try."
Dmitrich, battle-scarred veteran of many a committee battle, offered the young Republican a tip:
"Next time, after you do that, adjourn the meeting so we can't bring it back up."
-- Glen Warchol
Energetic, zealous -- did someone say underhanded? -- Sen. Mark Madsen almost pulled a fast one last week on his guns-in-cars bill.
A majority of the Law Enforcement Committee opposed the controversial bill. But when the committee met again, several members were delayed.
Madsen, however, made sure his supporters would all be prompt, including, Sen. Chris Buttars who has been ill most of the session.
With just enough members to convene the meeting, Madsen introduced his gun bill and, viola!, it passed.
All's fair in love and war -- and it seems, "Roberts Rules of Order."
Unfortunately, a few minutes later the opposition arrived. Sen. Patrice Arent, advised by Sen. Mike Dmitrich on parliamentary procedure, was able to bring the gun bill up for reconsideration.
Wham! It was tossed into rules limbo where it will need a two-thirds majority to be resurrected.
"You live by the rules, you die by the rules," Madsen said later. "It was worth a try."
Dmitrich, battle-scarred veteran of many a committee battle, offered the young Republican a tip:
"Next time, after you do that, adjourn the meeting so we can't bring it back up."
-- Glen Warchol
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