This session in Topeka has tested that, as Sen. Donovan has found himself ambushed repeatedly by members of his own party who have worked to alter - sometimes significantly - proposals he has worked on with others.
Tonight, that frustration came to a boil.
After Senate Leader Bruce read in the notes and schedule for the senate as well as a plan of action, there was a call for anyone with commentary from the body. Senator Donovan stood, "Maybe I have something to say.. I do have something to say."
Before the senate gaveled in, they had stood ready for roughly an hour and thirty minutes, a delay that caused those present to wonder what was happening.
Donovan had just finished a tax conference a few hours before and came to the senate prepared to present the new conference agreement. The new strategy by the tax committee was simple: if the body was unprepared to bite on all $400M worth of taxes, pass a bill that gets them half way, or $220M. By passing half of the needed elements, all of which they had agreed on, the negotiating staff of the Senate and House felt as though they could then build together the reset piece by piece. His Republican senate compatriots, however, didn't agree. For an hour and a half, rumors floated through the hallway that the senate wanted changes in the conference committee report restored to prior bills. These demanded changes that included the LaTurner amendment (a lid on property tax), or Abrams amendments (a removal of sales tax exemptions for non-for profits).
Donovan, frankly, had finally had enough.