http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0407march-legislators0407.html

Monday's rally may play to empty house

Matthew Benson The Arizona Republic Apr. 7, 2006 12:00 AM

Immigration-rights advocates who plan to march on the state Capitol on Monday will likely arrive at a mostly empty complex.

That's because most of the intended audience of lawmakers and officials will be gone.

House and Senate leaders made clear Thursday that they'll wrap up most deliberations and hearings Monday long before as many as 100,000 marchers arrive at the Capitol.

House Speaker Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix, said he's not convinced that law enforcement can protect the buildings if the rally turns ugly.

"Look what happens when you have emotion and numbers," he said. "What I'm told by authorities is they can't guarantee the safety of people or property. I'm hoping it goes peacefully. I'm hoping it goes without a hitch."

The House will begin work at 9 a.m. and finish by noon. The Senate will begin at 10 and end work by midday.

Gov. Janet Napolitano will be in her Capitol office by 9:30 a.m. and plans to be there for the rest of the day, spokeswoman Jeanine L'Ecuyer said.

"The governor is confident all of the appropriate accommodations are being made," she said. "People in the downtown area will be protected."

The marchers will gather at 11 a.m. at the Arizona State Fairground. The march will begin at 1 p.m., when organizers will lead marchers along Grand Avenue to Van Buren Street and then west on Washington Street to Wesley Bolin Plaza.