House returns for 2nd session with lingering tensions, tough talk

INDIANAPOLIS -- Democrats returned to the House floor Monday, but there were no signs a five-day break had soothed partisan tensions with Republicans as the second half of the session began.\nDemocrats stayed off the floor all day and night last Tuesday, denying a quorum needed to conduct business and derailing about 130 bills as the deadline for legislation to clear its house of origin passed. It is possible many bills can be revived by amending then into legislation that is still alive, but procedural rules require amendments to be relevant to the original legislation.\nSenate Republicans indicated last week that such rules could doom revival a Daniels' initiative to mandate statewide observance of daylight-saving time.\nAlthough there was no pressing business before the House on Monday, both parties took their seats and registered their attendance. \nThat tensions still remained high was immediately evident when House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, gaveled in the chamber and issued a warning to Democrats.\n"I can assure you that if you thought the first half of the session was busy and challenging, the second half will be even more so because of the circumstances we find ourselves in," Bosma said. "Those of you who thought it was a victory that votes were not taken, I can assure you that there will be critical issues that come back before you."\nHe said he hoped to announce by Wednesday which 40 or so bills Republicans will try to revive.\nHouse Minority Leader Patrick Bauer was hospitalized with flu complications Monday and unavailable for comment, caucus officials said. But Minority Floor Leader Russ Stilwell, D-Boonville, seemed unimpressed by Bosma's warning.\nHe did not rule out denying a quorum again if Republicans insist on passing some of the same bills objected to by Democrats.\n"I think we have shown our caucus can have resolve and believe in certain things, and we're very comfortable with who we are and what we do, and sometimes dissent is the ultimate act of patriotism ... ," he said.\nOn the day following last Tuesday's Democrat boycott, Daniels accused them of having "car-bombed" Indiana's drive to reform. Several Democrats likened it and other comments to war terminology, and at least two legislators, including Rep. Win Moses, D-Fort Wayne, demanded an apology.\nDaniels did not offer one and indicated Monday that he would not initiate a peace offering to House Democrats.