Iowa Union Members Rally in Wisconsin

By Jillian Petrus, Reporter

Tea Party supporters rally off a wing of the State Capitol in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, in support of the governor's proposed budget bill. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

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By Jason Kristufek

Story Created: Feb 26, 2011 at 10:51 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 27, 2011 at 7:23 PM CDT

MADISON, Wisc. – As Madison, Wisconsin has been a political battleground for two full weeks, about 50 Eastern Iowans chose to spend Saturday in the middle of it.

“What is it like for you looking around seeing all these people?” said Royce Peterson who is with the Cedar Rapids carpenters union. “It’s energizing being a part of this. I feel like what we’ve done here is awoken a sleeping giant.”

The Wisconsin capitol has been full of people protesting in reaction to new Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal that proposes to limit union influence with state workers, including limiting the workers’ collective bargaining rights.

After two weeks of protest, the Wisconsin demonstrators were quick to show their appreciation for unions coming across state lines.

“Happy to see the Hawkeyes here? Absolutely," said Jenna Baltz, a Madison, Wis. resident. “It’s awesome. I saw the Hawkeye symbol. I’m a Badger fan but we’re all in this together.”

Both union and non-union members were amazed by the outpouring of support for what looks to be a long fight ahead.

“I teach American history. This is what it’s all about,” said John Kealey, who is a teacher in Davenport.

While the bus full of Eastern Iowans returned home by Saturday afternoon, a new battle could rise up on Sunday as officials have stressed that protesters have to be out of the building by 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Wisconsin State Assembly passed Walker’s budget bill this week but the Senate there has not acted as 14 Democrat senators have refused to show up to the chamber preventing a necessary quorum.

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