Protesters try to drown out Daniels

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Thousands of union protesters were on hand for the State of the State address, and more than a dozen House Democrats were not.

Mitch Daniels devoted just six paragraphs of his speech to the right-to-work bill. Nevertheless, it's the issue that created a unique atmosphere for Tuesday night’s address.

From the beginning to the end of the governor's speech, union members opposed to the right to work bill yelled and chanted, at one point urging Democrats to leave, chanting: "Walk out, walk out."

The two dozen or so House Democrats who were there encouraged the noise.

"Every single one of them in there loved the beautiful music that they heard of democracy out here," said Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City.

While the governor never acknowledged the disruption, it was the hot topic for Republican leaders following the speech.

"I hope that we can return to a level of respect for our governor," said Senate President Pro Tem David Long, "whether you agree with the policies of the moment or not."

House Speaker Brian Bosma agreed.

"I did find it disrespectful to be booing and chanting during the governor's address," he said of the protestors, "but that's their choice."

On the other hand, Democratic leaders had little to say about the speech itself. They focused on the right-to-work issue and the GOP efforts to put it on a fast track in the General Assembly.

"So we're having Chinese democracy joined with a request for Chinese wages and Chinese benefits and Chinese work safety," said House Minority Leader Pat Bauer. "They want the whole package. We don't want that."

Some protesters were locked out of the building, and they were kept well away from the House chamber, where Daniels spoke Tuesday night, but they left the impression they came to make.

The House Democrats who showed up came despite the fact that they staged a walkout during the day. They also left as soon as the governor finished speaking so they could avoid a quorum call if the House speaker attempted one.

Speaker Bosma said he never considered it.