Showdown in Wisconsin

Wis. Dems say AWOL lawmakers will return

Madison, Wis. (AP) — The leader of Democrats in the Wisconsin Senate says his caucus will return to the state, but he won't say when.

Senate Democrats fled the state nearly three weeks ago to block a vote on Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip most public workers of their collective bargaining rights.

But Senate Republicans used a procedural move on Wednesday to pass the proposal without the Democrats present. The floor session lasted just minutes, and the state Assembly is scheduled to take up the measure on Thursday morning. That's the last step before it can go to Walker for his signature.

Senate Democratic leader Mark Miller of Monona says Democrats will "join the people of Wisconsin in taking back their government," but he refused to say when.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)