Wisconsin Senate rejects, then passes, call for term limits

Late on Tuesday night, Republicans and Democrats came together in the Wisconsin Senate in what first rejected the GOP-authored resolution calling for a Constitutional convention to consider whether to pass a term limits amendment for Congressmen and women.

Even though the resolution initially failed, Republican Sen. Alberta Darling made the decision to change her vote, which gave the measure the 17th vote needed to pass. 

Darling was allowed to change her vote despite objections she received from the Senate Democrats who said the chamber did not allow the move. It is an unusual occurrence for any proposal authored and generally supported by the majority party to not receive approval when it is brought to a vote. 

As the state Senate originally had voted 17-16 against adopting the term limits provision just prior to midnight, Darling as well as four other Republicans joined all 12 Democrats in voting against it. Just a few moments later, Darling indicated that she wanted to change her vote, which then led to a reconsideration of the first vote that had been taken.

When the second vote took place right at midnight, the Senate passed it 17-15 with Darling now in the majority, but she did not explain why she decided to switch sides.

During debate, Sen. Roger Roth of Appleton, a Republican, spoke out against the measure, highlighting concerns brought up by Democrats that there is no limit on what could be brought up at a Constitutional convention once it is called.

Thirty-four states are required to call a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution, and so far, four states have called for a convention for the consideration of term limits. Wisconsin would become the fifth state if the Assembly passes the measure.