At the caucus, Lange said Schweitzer asked him at an early morning meeting if he would vote for House Bill 833, a 14-bill Democratic omnibus tax relief and loophole-closing package, in exchange for Democrats supporting a version of Lange's House Bill 678, a school funding and property tax relief plan.
Such horse-trading over bills is commonplace during the closing days of any Legislature.
"The governor can go straight to hell as far as I'm concerned for trying to do that," Lange told his caucus.
Lange went on to say, "I'm pissed off at that SOB on the second floor (Schweitzer) that thinks he's trying to run the state like a dictator. What matters is your integrity.
"So my message to the governor is: Stick it up your ass! Stick it up your ass!"
Many of the House Republicans applauded at those words.
[...]
"I don't give a shit," he told his caucus. "I will not be offered a bribe to turn you loose to screw the people of the state of Montana. We won't back down."
He said it may be a "lost cause" to find a solution before Friday's final day, which would lead to a special session.
As the House Republican caucus ended, members began chanting, "Stay till May! Stay till May!"
Jeebus.
Later, some House Republicans tried to play down Lange's angry comments. They told reporters it was like a coach getting himself thrown out of a game as a tactic to inspire his players.
Sweet. Does that mean we can throw Mike Lange out now?
I mean, let's be clear here -- the Governor asked if Lange would give the all-clear for a Dem bill in exchange for the all-clear on a GOP bill. That's horse-trading, negotiations, compromise. Call it whatever the Hell you want. It's not bribery. Bribery would be the Governor saying, "Hey, Mikey, we'll give you $10 and some gummy bears if you just go back and pass our agenda."
It's really not shocking to find out that this guy doesn't grasp the English language or ethics. That's been damn clear from early on. What's startling is that his team is rallying behind him.
Update -- It's a bad sign when the voices of sanity in the GOP are a couple guys from the Flathead. Kudos to Sen. Brueggeman and Rep. Jones for stating the obvious though: Mike Lange didn't just cross the line today. He ran past it, screaming profanities the whole time.
Update II - by V
For those of you who wanted to see the insanity first hand, we have video:
