Capitol Chaos: Protesters Show Tears, Pride

By Melissa McCrady with Jay Sorgi

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  • Melissa McCrady reports. Video by 620wtmj.com

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MADISON - "I cried."

That was the reaction of one of hundreds of protesters at the State Capitol following the sudden passage of Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill which, among other things, strips many public workers' unions of most of their collective bargaining rights,

Hundreds of protesters came outside assembly chambers.

Many people showed tears, while some others gave loud, proud cheers for those Assembly members whom they support.

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More: 
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Assembly Democrats received a hero's welcome from their supporters.

The protesters filled the Capitol Rotunda just after 1:00 a.m. Friday morning.

They chanted "Thank you, thank you!"

A group of students from Madison East High School were among those in the thick of the emotional outcome.

"Wisconsin is going to plunge into some deep despair with this bill passing," said Madeline Johnson, a protester, when asked by TODAY'S TMJ4's Melissa McCrady why she cried at the result.

"Although we were really, really shocked that the bill passed the assembly, we were glad to come together and thank those who stood up for us," said Amelia Soth, another protester.

Many protesters said they weren't going anywhere, and were to remain at the State Capitol for the long haul.