INDIANAPOLIS — As Indiana House Democrats and Republicans weigh the political ramifications of their ongoing Statehouse stalemate, public opinion could spur both sides to soften their stubborn stances and get back to work.
House Democrats fled to Urbana, Ill., Tuesday in an effort to kill Republican-backed legislation they see as an assault on the middle class. The move killed an anti-union bill in Indiana, and now Democrats want GOP lawmakers to pull other items off their agenda. Republicans have refused to negotiate, and Democrats say they won't return to Indianapolis Monday when Republicans try again to convene the House.
The impasse has the potential to politically damage both sides, but analysts say the boycott has so far had little lasting effect other than energizing those who already strongly support either Republicans or Democrats. That's evident in the e-mails Democrats and Republicans are getting, showing both support and contempt, and in small dueling rallies at the Statehouse Friday.
“Clearly Republicans think it's out-of-bounds behavior. Democrats are thrilled beyond measure that fundamental ideas are being defended,” said Robert Dion, who teaches politics at the University of Evansville.
