Veto-Override Muscle Tested. D’s Scramble for Bodies

Monday, June 23, 2008 It’s 10:20 a.m. and the…ah…SPARSE House has kicked off its veto session and recessed, while Democratic majority whips work the phone in attempt to remind caucus members they’re needed if Gov. Jodi Rell’s veto of the minimum-wage bill is to be overcome. Rep. Bob Godfrey, D-Danbury, was acting speaker at gaveled the chamber in at 10:05. Before him, in the 151 seats, were exactly four lawmakers, including Rep. Chris Caruso, D-Bridgeport, House Minority Leader Larry Cafero, R-Norwalk and House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, D-Meriden. Rep. Frank Nicastro, D-Bristol, was there to lead the chamber in the pledge of allegiance. There were five quick voice vote on House rules, payment of expenses and such. Nicastro may have been concerned about Cafero’s possible opposition of the rules, so when Godfrey called for a voice vote, Nicastro loudly screamed “Aye” in favor. No opposition materialized. “The chair appreciates the enthusiasm of the chamber,” Godfrey said dryly, with a twinkle in his eye. So now, if majority leadership can’t round up enough Democrats – at least 101 are needed for the override and the caucus has 107 on a good day – look for them to find some blow-up dolls to fill the seats, kind of like those people who cheat on the high-occupancy-vehicle lanes. If the D’s can’t come up with the bodies, it’s going to be pretty embarrassing in an election year.