Pro-Walker protesters arriving in Madison
While the previous protests were overwhelmingly against Walker's bill, Saturday’s sets the stage for at least ideological confrontation, with Tea Party groups organizing a rally to be held in front of the Capitol from noon to 3 p.m. It would mark the first time a large group has organized to support Walker’s legislation.
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Protesters again descended on Wisconsin’s state Capitol by the thousands on Saturday to mark the sixth day of rallies sparked by Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to strip public unions of most of their collective bargaining rights.
But while the previous protests were overwhelmingly against Walker's bill, Saturday’s sets the stage for at least ideological confrontation, with Tea Party groups organizing a rally to be held in front of the Capitol from noon to 3 p.m.
It would mark the first time a large group has organized to support Walker’s legislation.
“The only pro-Walker contingency we’ve seen was [Wednesday],” said Madison resident Timothy Bauer, 33, who has slept in the capital to be a part of the protests. “That was four high schoolers.”
There have also been a trickle of signs favoring Walker's bill over the past week.
It’s not known how many Tea Party members will arrive in Madison, and those coming aren’t sure what to expect.
“This was organized by a lot of different groups,” said Pat Kohlman, coordinator for the Manitowac County Tea Movement. “There wasn’t one central group in charge.”
“We’re representing the overwhelming majority of Wisconsin who support Gov. Walker’s Bill,” said Matt Betzel, executive director for the Tea Party group American Majority, Wisconsin chapter.
Union and Democratic leaders say they've been careful to maintain the peace inside and out of the capital, appointing members to keep walkways open, keep crowds moving if necessary, and keep them motivated.
“So far I’ve heard of absolutely no problems,” said Sarah Korpi, a Hermantown native and Baraboo resident who was appointed by her teacher’s union to serve as a marshal inside the Capitol.
Tags: news, wisconsin, politics, legislature
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