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Legislative walkout unlikely in Missouri

Protesters demonstrate at the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison.
AP photo/Andy Manis
Protesters demonstrate at the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison.

Missouri legislative leaders don't expect walkouts by Democrats in Wisconsin and other Midwestern states over labor union issues to happen here.

Democrats and union leaders in the Show-Me State are opposing legislation in the State Senate that would make Missouri a right-to-work state.

House Speaker Steven Tilley (R, Perryville) says walking out as a political maneuver is in essence a dereliction of duty.

"I certainly wouldn't advocate any member of the General Assembly, whether Republicans were in the minority, or the Democrats, who are in the minority, to be elected by the people to be their voice in the House and then choose to leave."

In Missouri, a walkout would not shut down the legislative session.  The GOP majority in both the House and Senate is large enough for quorums without Democrats.

Marshal was a political reporter for St. Louis Public Radio until 2018.