Legislative Republicans operate like a military unit. There is top-down control and rank-and-file members are merely soldiers. Fewer and fewer members are actually involved in decision-making. Even when members strongly disagrees with leadership, they are required to follow orders. “Vote green (Yes) on the bill and vote red (No) on all amendments” is a familiar text message delivered to Republican members of the House prior to important votes. The messenger is a man employed and paid handsomely by taxpayers to enforce the speaker’s agenda and keep House Republicans in line.
"If a member of the House dares challenge leadership by voting consistent with his conscience or the needs of his district, it is immediately apparent due to the large screen for displaying votes called 'the Board' now having been separated into two columns, organized by party affiliation. Thus, if a Republican member strays to vote 'no,' he may be the sole red light appearing in a sea of Republican green on 'the Board.' Retribution is certain and swift. Your bills won’t be considered, your district gets shorted in the budget or in a bond bill, or you may lose membership on a key committee.
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