Two hour Senate session blocks a vote for laptop use in the chamber.

Intro: A two hour filibuster kills an effort for a technological advance in Missouri's State Senate.

Christine Slusser has more from the state Capitol.

RunTime:0:34
OutCue: SOC

For more than two hours Senators debated whether to allow laptops in the chamber.

Senate Majority Floor Leader, Republican Kevin Engler butted heads with fellow Republican Senator Gary Nodler who says laptops would keep the Senators from doing the people's work.

Actuality: ENGDOD.WAV

Run Time: 00:12

Description: Engler: "Don't leave in the back room, you're wanting the people not to disclose, you're wanting to put them in the dark and work in the dark. Bring them into the light of the day, expose the people..."
Nodler: "I'm saying when you walk in this Senate chamber, do the work of the Senate only!"

Engler says he does not plan to bring the resolution back into debate.

From the state Capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.

Intro: Some Missouri Senators worry laptops will distract them from doing the work of the people.

Christine Slusser has more from the state Capitol.

RunTime:0:32
OutCue: SOC

The two hour filibuster in the Senate means no laptops are allowed in the chamber, at least for now.

Senator Gary Nodler spoke to a fellow Senator on the floor, saying he only sparks up his laptop when appropriate.

Actuality: NODDLER.WAV

Run Time: 00:10

Description: "...but you know I never use one in the bathtub where I'd electrocute myself, Senator, because there is a time and a place for everything, and a bathtub is not the place for a computer, nor is the Senate chamber."

Democratic Senator Joan Bray says handheld devices like cell phones should also be restricted in the chamber.

From the state Capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.

Intro: There will be no laptops on Senator's desks for at least one more year due to a filibuster on the floor.

Christine Slusser has more from the state Capitol.

RunTime:0:43
OutCue: SOC

Majority Floor Leader, Republican Kevin Engler does not plan to bring the filibustered resolution that would allow laptops in the Senate chamber back onto the floor.

Republican Senator Gary Nodler tried to amend the resolution to say laptops could be used for Senatorial business only, but Republican Senator Matt Bartle said the measure would be impossible.

Actuality: BARTLE.WAV

Run Time: 00:15

Description: "It creates a fraud and if you ever took a pen or a message from your wife or your kid, you'd be breaking a Senate rule. It would be a silly, ridiculous fraud, so I'm glad it's going away."

Nodler later said laptops are just not appropriate in the Senate.

From the state Capitol, I'm Christine Slusser.