Michigan House adjourns until Dec. 31 as rancor among Democrats spills over

Michigan political chaos as lawmakers boycott lameduck

Twists and turns were evident throughout the final days of the Michigan legislature's lame duck session as at least one House Democrat joined Republicans in boycotting the final days of lawmaking.

(FOX 2) - The Michigan House has adjourned until Dec. 31 after a chaotic final day in Lansing that saw Democrats try and fail to get enough of its members into the chamber to vote on more legislation.

In the end, a quorum could not be achieved and Speaker Joe Tate gaveled an end to the session.

Joe Tate, a Detroit Democrat and the leader of the body recognized Rep. Jimmie WIlson of Ypsilanti.

"The House will stand adjourned until Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 1:30 p.m.," Wilson said.

An hour before gaveling, Tate had issued a Call of the House Order, which dispatches sergeants to return lawmakers to the chamber.

It's a dramatic conclusion to a week of consternation among Democrats as the final days of their governing majority comes to a close. Republicans will assume control of the Michigan House next year.

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate bangs his gavel after adjourning the chamber until Dec. 31.

For much of Thursday morning, it was unclear if Democrats could corral enough of their party to be in the chamber. They would need every lawmaker to be in the chamber for a session to begin.

However, lawmakers like Detroit Rep. Karen Whitsett had resisted calls to return to Lansing amid strife that Democrats were ignoring priorities.