Quorum denied.

Indiana House Democrats used the minority's ultimate constitutional tool to get their way when the Republican speaker tried to force redistricting.

Indiana Speaker Paul S. Mannweiler believes his mid-session plan to reduce House membership from 100 to 99 and the accompanying redistricting was good government. In power for the first time since sharing the speakership with Democrats during a 50-50 split in 1989-90, Mannweiler says he felt a responsibility to make sure the House wouldn't again be hindered by a tie.

But House Democrats, who were in control of the last reapportionment, didn't see it that way.

After a 90-minute caucus March 23, they packed their bags, checked out of their hotel rooms and quickly left the Statehouse. "We're not going to sit and take it," said Representative Win Moses.

Mannweiler was aware that his proposal, coming as it did just five years after the last federal census, could be seen as a strictly political move. But, he insisted, it was needed to avoid the hurly-burly atmosphere he experienced as co-speaker six years ago. Shared powe...

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