The fight over union rights in tight fiscal times escalated Saturday in Wisconsin, as Tea Party activists flocked to the state's Capitol to counter protests against the Republican governor's controversial budget.
Tea Party leaders carried signs that read "Your Gravy Train is Over" to back Gov. Scott Walker, who wants to cut state workers pay and benefits to plug a $3.6 billion budget hole.
His proposal - which would largely wipe out the collective bargaining of state workers - has led to widespread backlash and five days of protest.
Other cash-strapped states are eyeing the battle closely in to see if it will spurn union reform in their backyards.
Meanwhile, pro-labor demonstrators who oppose Walker's proposals wore signs that warned they wanted a peaceful protest. Law enforcement were readying for as many as 70,000 people to turn out at the Capitol.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is at the center of the storm. (Manis/AP)
The Republican-led state Senate and Assembly claim they have enough votes to pass the so-called "budget repair" bill.
Some 14 Senate Democrats have fled the state, saying they won't return until Walker is willing to negotiate.
Tea Party heavyweight Sarah Palin joined in the fracas on Friday by posting on Facebook that "Real solidarity means everyone being willing to sacrifice and carry our share of the burden."
News Wire Services
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