Paging Pedro Colon

The Wisconsin State Assembly voted to override a partial veto by Gov. Jim Doyle on Tuesday that cut $15 million in funding for nursing homes.

A two-thirds majority is required to override a veto, and with Rep. Pedro Colon missing from the chamber, only 64 votes were required according to the Republican leadership. Democrats in the Assembly are crying foul though accusing them of bending the rules in this case.

Democrats also contended the state constitution requires a two-thirds vote of all lawmakers present. Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee, said Assembly rules define "present" as being recorded present on the day's opening roll call. Colon was there for the opening roll call, which meant there were 97 representatives present and Republicans needed 65 votes to reach a two-thirds majority, he said. But Republicans wouldn't budge.

"This is just spineless," Colon shouted at Speaker Pro Tempore Stephen Freese, R-Dodgeville, at one point.