The conference committee must find a compromise between House and Senate lottery plans. By tradition, McConnell, as the panel's senior senator, will serve as its chairman. I can't be on the floor here every day trying to get sine die through and be in a conference committee.
State law allows the committee to meet with only four members, which represents a quorum.
In the tradition-rich Senate, however, McConnell's position may not be challenged. Republicans want to extend the session until Dec. 31, if necessary, to allow lawmakers to draw new legislative district maps. Democrats want to end the session sooner, believing it works to their advantage on how the maps are drawn. Under normal circumstances, the Legislature would adjourn for the year Nov. 7. Senate Minority Leader John Land, D-Clarendon, said Democrats are unlikely to budge on the adjournment resolution.