In case you haven’t seen the dozens of memes running around, State Senator John “California” Carley went AWOL from the State Capitol today. As related by KELOland:
Carley was last seen in the Capitol around 11:30 a.m. on the Senate floor.
“They’ve searched all the offices in the building and have not found him,” a report from the Senate sergeant at arms said.
A call of the house was ordered during Tuesday’s Senate floor hearing because of Carley’s unexplained and unexcused absence.
and..
Republican Sen. Tom Pischke had disappeared for a while on Monday. After a call of the house, he returned. In a comment to KELOLAND News, made prior to the Senate convening on Tuesday Pischke indicated that something unusual might happen later on Tuesday afternoon.
I’ve heard different stories about Pischke’s absence; one that he was hiding in Carr’s office, and another that he was hiding in the john. But Carley is a different story entirely. He just vamoosed.
And a flurry of memes ensued from the ranks of the lobbyists and others.
Just remember: If you see a Senator, remind him that he’s being paid to show up and vote. Not to avoid them.
grudznick appreciates the Mr. Nelson selfoid. Does Mr. Carley, who is from California, even know Mr. Nelson, the former marine (served adequately but mostly disgraced in civilian life)?
As I was reading the first part, I wondered if he was with Stace in the bathroom! Then boom! No, I don’t think they even overlapped as state residents and if they did, they likely did not cross paths. Props to all of them but the Stace one was my biggest reaction.
There go his hopes of being Doeden’s LG.
I think it is a disgrace to the Legislature and the position he was elected to. Without digging out my old red book, I am also disappointed that after a short period of time looking for him a motion was made to have business just go on like nothing was wrong with what he did. I hope the Senate removes him for his actions or at the least punish him. To let these actions continue in the Senate will set a bad trend. Tom should also answer for his actions. They are lucky that I am not still there. Great leadership will cut this off at the knees, bad leadership will let it fester…
Carley played to win.
Rumor has it Jordan is looking to go with him.
Way sad the deterioration the senate leadership has allowed! Hiding instead of voting. This only happens if leaders don’t lead
Pretty sure it was the current pro temps plan all along so they were just following his leadership. Pisckhe was hiding in his office the day before. They were too afraid of the LT breaking a tie vote so they play underhanded games. then they overruled LT on the 2/3s vote necessary to continue with business and continued with a simple majority. These far right nut jobs have no respect for the institution.
It’s a tool in the tool box. It might not be pretty but the issue died and that’s what he was after.
I’m amused.
Yes it’s inexcusable his action but really, aren’t we better off with him gone?
What a disgrace Carley and Pischke are to the institution, their constituents, and the people of South Dakota. Just like the Texas Dems. I’m over these woke Republicans.
I was disgusted watching the Senate today. I watched my local Senators (Greg Blanc, Voight and Taffy Howard) vote down every meaningful bill that would have provided me with property tax relief and then immediately vote affirmatively to create a fund to shove a bunch of money into the capitol building so that they have a shiny nice building to work in. They are not who you think they are. I think Taffy should donate her pay that she took from the property tax committee that she worked on and use it to put shiny new fixtures into the capitol.
Get your fellow voters in your District know. Inform them. Most don’t watch nor pay attention. Advertise it while it’s fresh. People need to know and remember the next voting cycle.
well if you are going to hide in the bathroom during votes you might require padded seats
I drove by Carley’s residence at about 5:30 MST today, he didn’t appear to be home either.
Does anyone know anything about Carley’s military service? He claims in his campaign page that he is a member of the American Legion. His conduct today is not in line with any military values. What branch did he serve in?
Carley and Pischke are elected and paid to do a job. If you are not there, you should not be paid. Senator Beal is out on leave, betting he is not being paid. There is no difference. Carley and Pischke are a disgrace to the Legislature, their constituents, and the State of South Dakota
Don’t want to be confused with defending the Coward of Meade County, but the legislative salary is an annual salary, paid for obvious reasons during session. But, it could as easily be paid monthly, as the duties don’t end with sine die