Were Democrats drunk when they passed state budget?

State Representative Matt Manweller (R-Ellensburg) made quite a claim Wednesday morning after Senate Democrats refused to suspend Initiative 1351 during budget negotiations in Olympia.

Manweller wrote on his Facebook page:

“I have some very unfortunate news regarding this year’s session. Due to a combination of immaturity, too much alcohol, and a lack of respect for the process and keeping your word, The Senate Democrats went back on their word and blew up all three budgets–operating, capital, and transportation. We have enough money in the signed operating budget to keep the government open until September. After that we’re not sure what will happen.”

…

“No matter how long I serve, I will never forget the scene last night of inebriated Democrats laughing about about how they had screwed everyone including their House Democratic friends and thinking it was funny.”

Rep. Manweller told KIRO Radio’s Jason Rantz Show on Thursday, “The real story is not about alcohol, the real story is they went back on their word.”

Related: Budget breaks down in Olympia with surprise Democratic dissent

But really, were state senators drinking on the job?

“I’m not saying that anyone was drunk and I’m not saying that anyone was inappropriate on the Senate floor with TVW cameras rolling,” Manweller said. “What I can say is that when I wandered over there and other members wandered over there – ya know, I was a college resident adviser, I’ve been a college professor – I can tell when somebody’s had a drink or two. It doesn’t mean you’re drunk, but the smell of alcohol is pretty noticeable. You laugh a little bit harder at your own jokes and things that you might think are funny aren’t really that funny.”

Manweller wouldn’t say who was being cute and possibly drunk. He thinks it’s a combination of things – it being late, “maybe some imbibing, maybe they thought they thought they were being clever, or maybe they were thinking sabotage.”

Whatever the case, Manweller said the Senate Democrats “blew up all three budgets in one snarky little move.”

In the end, Manweller said Initiative 1351 will be delayed.

And as for the budget, he’s worried that anyone can walk into court now and say that the $38 billion budget doesn’t balance by $4 billion – and you have to have a balanced budget in Washington state.

“Do you want to live in a state where, in politics, you get rewarded for double-crossing people and going back on your word,” Manweller asked.