RTW referendum falls short in Senate

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - If you want to know how the right-to-work battle at the Statehouse ends, there was a vote in the Senate on Friday that may serve as a preview. It came on an amendment calling for a statewide referendum on the issue.

While Democrats in the Indiana House now promise to show up and vote on the amendment Monday – though not enough of them were present for the vote when it was set for Friday morning - an identical amendment was debated here in the state Senate on Friday.

"It's time to put this question to the people," said Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage.

"This issue begs for more debate, more input from Hoosiers," said Sen. John Broden, D-South Bend, "not less."

Democrats, cheered on by union protesters just outside the chamber, made the case for letting voters settle this battle.

"This is about letting the public have a voice," said minority leader Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Bloomington, "giving them the opportunity to know and understand this issue."

Republicans objected, led by Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Monticello.

"This may be constitutionally prohibited to in essence punt this decision," he said.

The tally for the Senate vote was 14 to 36; only one Republican voted for the amendment

The Democrats won't give up, but they don't have the numbers required to win a vote in either chamber.