EDITORIAL: Statehouse capacity issue smacks of politics

New regulations capping the number of people that can be inside the Statehouse at one time smacks of a political move designed to limit protest over the Republicans move to pass “right-to-work” legislation strongly opposed by labor groups.

Adding fuel to that fire is an exemption that will allow in all people attending Capitol Commission Indiana’s prayer day at the Statehouse on Wednesday. The organization is a Christian ministry active in the Statehouse.

That’s the day the General Assembly begins, and a huge crowd of union members is expected to show up to voice opposition to right-to-work. Their numbers inside could be reduced because of the prayer group’s presence.

State officials make the point that setting a capacity for the building is a safety issue. But it looks bad that the “safety issue” didn’t arise until thousands of labor supporters were mobilized to fight what Gov. Mitch Daniels and his GOP cohorts have set as the centerpiece of this legislative session. Safety is important, but at all times, not just when the political strategy of the elected majority is likely to face anger from members of the public.