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Published February 17, 2011, 11:13 AM

Walker in the Capitol as vote on union bill nears

Republican Gov. Scott Walker is in the state Capitol as thousands of protesters descend for a third day in the hopes they can stop passage of a bill that takes away collective bargaining rights from public employees.

By: The Associated Press, Superior Telegram

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Gov. Scott Walker is in the state Capitol as thousands of protesters descend for a third day in the hopes they can stop passage of a bill that takes away collective bargaining rights from public employees.

The Republican-controlled Legislature was expected to pass the bill that Walker proposed just a week ago.

The measure set off a firestorm of opposition with rallies that attracted 13,000 people on Tuesday, 20,000 on Wednesday and thousands more Thursday.

But Republican leaders and Walker say they have the votes to pass the bill.

Protesters clogged the halls outside the Senate chamber, which was taking up the bill first.

Walker says it's needed to help balance the budget but opponents say it's an unfair assault on middle class workers.

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