And Now It's Indiana's Turn...

As in Wisconsin, Indiana State Democrats are leaving the state in order to "filibuster" anti-union legislation:

House Democrats are leaving the state rather than vote on anti-union legislation, The Indianapolis Star has learned.

A source said Democrats are headed to Illinois, though it was possible some also might go to Kentucky. They need to go to a state with a Democratic governor to avoid being taken into police custody and returned to Indiana.

The House came into session this morning, with only two of the 40 Democrats present. Those two were needed to make a motion, and a seconding motion, for any procedural steps Democrats would want to take to ensure Republicans don’t do anything official without quorum.

With only 58 legislators present, there was no quorum present to do business. The House needs 67 of its members to be present.

Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, told House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, that Democrats "continue to be in caucus" to discuss potential amendments to several bills.

Bosma said he was "flummoxed," adjoured until noon, and labor union members watching in the gallery and hallway outside cheered the work stoppage.

Today's fight was triggered by Republicans pushing a bill that would bar unions and companies from negotiating a contract that requires non-union members to kick-in fees for representation. It's become the latest in what is becoming a national fight over Republican attempts to eliminate or limit collective bargaining.

Yet the Indianapolis Star nonetheless headlined this article "Democrats trigger Statehouse showdown."

Things look funny from the depths of Mitch Daniel's front pocket, I guess.

UPDATE: The Indiana Democratic Party chair has confirmed on the record that the Dems have flown the coop and won't come back as long as the union-busting legislation is on the table.