State Representative Dick Dodge (R-Pleasant Lake) joined Sen. David Ford and Sen. Glenn Howard on the hospital list today. 

Rep. Charlie Brown announced during a committee hearing that Dodge fell ill and is undergoing tests.  These may well be three isolated occurrences, but I think a case can still be made for the pressure lawmakers are under.  The property tax furor combined with Election year stress makes this year different than most under the dome.

There is talk about threats on lawmakers from angry voters, but the stress alone could be their biggest threat.

Lawmakers may well pursue bi-partisan solutions to the property tax crisis this year, but that won’t stop Democrats who control the Indiana House from going their own way on occasion.

Those Democrats started the 2008 session today with a veto override of a bill that gives tax credits to filmmakers.

It may be little more than a gesture with the Republican controlled state Senate standing by to protect Governor Mitch Daniels, but, coming on the first day day, it sends the message that Democrats want their views addressed.