Tempers flare in marathon Wisconsin Assembly debate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Tempers are flaring in the state Assembly as the body lurches toward its second marathon floor session in three days.

The Assembly took the floor at 5:30 p.m. after lawmakers spent the day in strategy meetings. They worked for five hours before Democrats demanded a recess for another strategy meeting to hash out their positions on a bill to create a Milwaukee County comptroller position.

They asked for an hour but spent three in their meeting. Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald finally convened the house at 1:15 p.m. and Republicans began moving on bills again as Democrats trickled in. Minority Leader Peter Barca stormed into the chamber and began to pound his podium and scream that Republicans were abusing their power. Fitzgerald accused Barca of losing control of his caucus.