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Politics & Government

Protesters Chant 'Recall Walker'

Gov. Scott Walker Tells Protesters 'We're Broke.'

The scene in Madison became somewhat surreal today at 5 p.m.

As reporters waited for Gov. Scott Walker to start his afternoon press conference, thousands of protesters waited outside for the Rev. Jesse Jackson to start a rally.

As the chant of "Recall Walker" echoed in the background, the governor calmly told reporters and cameras that he is steadfast to go forward with his emergency repair bill that is highlighted by elimination of collective bargaining for many public employees.

"I was elected to make tough decisions," he said as the chants reverberated the chambers. "We are broke."

The state Senate adjourned Friday without taking action on Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget repair bill, which has drawn tens of thousands of protesters to Madison this week.

Walker also announced he would delay releasing his state budget until March 1, a week later than initially planned. However, he still intends to address the Assembly and Senate on Tuesday. The speech is typically used to introduce the governor's two-year spending plan for the state.

Both actions are minor victories for the throngs of protesters and the wayward senators trying to stop Walker's plan to strip public employee unions of their collective-bargaining rights. The proposal is part the governor's plan to fix a projected $3.6 billion budget deficit in state spending for the next two year.

As Walker ended his press conference, the protesters continued to wait for Jackson outside.

A group of Assembly Democrats spoke in the interment, rallying the group to have faith in their efforts.

"I have never been prouder to be a citizen of this state or the United States," said Assembly member Cory Mason, Racine, as he headed back to caucus with his fellow Democrats.

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