No clock‑stopping stunts expected, but Georgia’s Sine Die still packed with high‑stakes bills 

He’s not much of a household name today, but Denmark Groover — a legislator from middle Georgia — is tied to some controversial political happenings. Groover’s legacy includes two redesigns of the Georgia state flag, the creation of the state’s runoff election system, and a bizarre incident that took place on Sine Die, the final day of the legislative session.

On February 22, 1964, Groover, a lifelong segregationist, attempted to block a congressional redistricting measure. In a dramatic and desperate move, he climbed the railing of the House visitors’ gallery and tried to stop the chamber’s clock before it struck midnight, which would have officially ended the session. His effort failed. The clock crashed onto the House floor.

It’s highly unlikely that anything that dramatic will happen this year as Georgia lawmakers prepare for Sine Die with the same energy students bring to the last day of school. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali joked with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott that he has no intention of recreating Groover’s infamous stunt — and he doesn’t expect any legislator to try it either.