Wisconsin Democrat Asks Gov. for Meeting on Border

MADISON, Wis. -- The leader of the 14 Wisconsin Senate Democrats who fled to Illinois 18 days ago to delay passage of a bill taking away public employees' collective bargaining rights has asked Gov. Scott Walker for a meeting.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller said in a letter sent out Monday that he wants to meet with Republicans "near the Wisconsin-Illinois border to formally resume serious discussions" on Walker's budget repair bill. Two other Democratic senators met with Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald last week in Kenosha.

Democrats have been holed up south of the state line since last month to block action on Walker's budget repair bill, which would end most collective bargaining for public employee unions in the state.

"I assure you that Democratic state senators, despite our differences and the vigorous debate we have had, remain ready and willing to find a reasonable compromise," Miller said in the letter.

Neither Miller nor Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie could be reached immediately for further comment. Fitzgerald spokesman Andrew Welhouse had no immediate comment.