http://www.chron.com
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/votefraud.html
AUSTIN -- Amid a Democratic boycott of the Texas House, Republican Gov. Rick Perry and GOP legislative leaders held their weekly breakfast meeting today and accused Democrats of abandoning state business.
The 51 Democrats who fled to Oklahoma are jeopardizing bills that address the multibillion-dollar state budget, children's health care and homeowners insurance, Perry said.
"I don't think the people of the state of Texas appreciate the work stoppage, the walking away from the important issues of the day," Perry said.
From their hotel in Oklahoma, the Democrats angrily denied Republican accusations that their absence threatens important state programs.
"Nothing is further from the truth," said Rep. Pete Gallego of Alpine. "There is no reason why the failure of any bill will cause any losses that are claimed by Republicans."
Any issue can be brought back up after Thursday's deadline for initial passage of bills -- if enough lawmakers decide to suspend House rules and take up the matter, Gallego said.
The governor also said he isn't anticipating having to call a special legislative session after the regular session ends June 2 because there is still time to pass more laws if the Democrats return to the Capitol.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst implored the Democrats to return and finish work on what he said will be a "historically successful session."
"We're here working and we want our colleagues back," said Dewhurst, who presides over the Senate.
The Democrats snuck out of Texas on Sunday night and went to a Holiday Inn in Ardmore, Okla., to block a quorum in the House all week, effectively shutting down much of the chamber's business. The legislators left on the eve of debate on a congressional redistricting bill they say is unnecessary and politically divisive.
They went outside the state so that Texas state troopers sent to arrest them wouldn't have the authority to apprehend them. By Tuesday night, the search was called off because the missing legislators were outside the state.
The missing Democrats plan to return Friday after the deadline passes for preliminary approval of the congressional redistricting bill in the House, Gallego said.
