Ind. GOP, Dems Squabble Over Proposed Labor Bill

The Indiana General Assembly's top Republicans and Democrats are squabbling over a contentious labor bill that looks likely to dominate their upcoming session.

The "right-to-work'' proposal dominated debate at a Thursday legislative conference. It also provided a preview of the contentious debate planned for their 2012 session.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma, House Democratic Leader Pat Bauer, Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long and Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson took turns rebutting each other during a Thursday's conference.

Bauer and Bosma touted dueling public opinion polls bolstering their case. Long occasionally interjected on Bosma's behalf and Simpson said the issue will "eat'' the entire 2012 session.

Bauer proposed kicking it back until after the 2013 session, but Bosma said it will stay front and center next year.