A former longtime Wisconsin Congressman is harshly criticizing Gov. Walker for restricting access to the Capitol building this week.
Democrat Dave Obey represented his northern Wisconsin district for 41 years. On Wednesday, he tried to enter the state capitol and was told by police to join the others waiting outside. Obey's reaction was captured on video
"Why in hell have they been expected to wait an hour?" Obey says. "This is their Capitol, it's not just the governor's Capitol. He's a temporary occupant of that building. He is not a permanent king."
Thursday night, Obey was still upset. He accused Gov. Walker of needlessly inflaming an already tense situation by restricting access. Obey says he's been walking into the Capitol for 52 years since he was a college student, and has never been blocked until this week.
"The governor's action in excluding these well-mannered taxpayers has again elevated the issue. We ought to be looking for any way to cool things off."
ADVERTISEMENT
Obey says the governor should be working to find a compromise with the unions, and the 14 missing Democrats.
The Walker Administration says the recent protests were so disruptive that they had to restrict access to the capitol.
