Tempers are flaring in the Senate, but the rest of the Roundhouse is eerily quiet today as House Democrats continue a secret caucus meeting that has lasted more than two hours already.
A few moments ago, during a debate of a bill relating to the U.S. Border Patrol, Sens. Joe Carraro, R-Albuquerque, and Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, got into it. I wasn’t there to witness it (a sergeant-at-arms for some reason locked the door to the Senate media gallery and kept me out) but apparently Carraro threw a fit after Sanchez called him a liar.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish had to call the sergeant-at-arms and threaten to remove Carraro. The situation is calm, for now. But people are only going to get more tired as we approach noon on Saturday.
Meanwhile, among topics being discussed by House Democrats in their secret meeting is the probable attempt Republicans will make today to get a floor hearing on a bill that would remake the state’s scandal-plagued regional housing authorities. I’m told Speaker of the House Ben Lujan is working to prevent Democrats from voting with Republicans to blast the bill out of the House Business and Industry Committee.
At least eight Democrats would need to join the Republicans.