Governor Rick Scott’s refusal to hold a special session reconsidering the state’s Stand Your Ground law is not dissuading a group of Florida Democratic lawmakers. In a procedural move, they’ve bypassed Scott and the Republican leaders of the House and Senate to initiate a poll among their colleagues.
There’s a number of ways a special session can happen in Florida. One involves 20 percent of the Legislature—32 lawmakers—asking the Secretary of State to poll all the state’s legislators. As of Monday, 33 Democrats signaled their support and now, a poll is open among the 160-member Legislature to decide whether a special session should be called.
In a statement, House Speaker Will Weatherford implied the Republican-controlled Legislature will vote no, saying he hopes the protestors who have inhabited the Capitol for the last month will return it, in his words, “back to normal” following the poll. But, House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston says it’s still worth a vote.
“It's always feasible. The important thing is we have the discussion and the debate. What we’re hopeful for is that the residents in these Legislators’ districts will let them know and contact them that this is something that is needed,” said Thurston.
Three-fifths of all lawmakers must vote yes to call the special session. If 96 yes votes aren’t in by 11:59 Monday night, the measure fails.
Below is an example of the ballot:
For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on twitter @SaschaCordner.
