Eisenhower tried to pass a Civil Rights act in the 50s, however, congress said no... Democrat majority mind you, then LBJ had it passed, same thing, and the democrats were all about it, hypocritical? Yes.
See its all who's in the white house when either party passes certain acts that would benefit them the most.
No, the Democrats in any state that has left their post are not protesting for their constituents but just hiding, if they wish to protest for their constituents, maybe they ought to do it on the legislature floor. Eh?
I also live in Illinois its those Democrats and Chicago Politics that has led our state in its 13 to 15 Billion dollar deficit...
So?
Sure the republicans filibuster by doing annoying things, but they remain through to the end.