Oh, so now it's my fault the Democrats and Republicans in Indianapolis can't get along:
Rep. Tom Saunders, R-Lewisville, blamed it in part on the increased political polarization, and on the news media, which have shone such a spotlight on lobbying that legislators no longer want to attend lobbyist-sponsored receptions or other events where lawmakers mingle.
"Nobody does that anymore," he said. "There's just no socializing anymore . . ."
They can mingle only at lobbyist-sponsored events? I know lots of people who attend lots of events and mingle, not a single one of them sponsored by lobbyists.
Call me old-fashioned, but I think the walkout should be blamed on the people who walked out. And I think this is right:
If this standoff means a budget and new legislative district maps are not done by April 29, Daniels will be forced to call a special session. That costs money at a time when the state is strapped for cash, and the public won't have to look farther than an Illinois hotel to know whom to blame.
