The Senate and House Democrat caucus meetings are now closed to visitors, including the press and public.

The Legislature’s minority leadership announced the change today, and it is effective immediately.

Caucus meetings are a tool that political parties use to talk about legislative issues and develop political strategies.

Elliott Werk,  Senate Assistant Minority Leader, issued a statement today explaining it this way:

“If Coach Pete had opened his playbook to TCU before the Fiesta Bowl, the fake punt would have led to disaster — not victory.”

Rep. James Ruchti, House Assistant Minority Leader, followed with one of his own:

“To maximize our effectiveness in the Legislature, we must take the field with every advantage that we can muster.”

With the legislative session not even through the first quarter yet, it’s hard to predict if this strategy will result in extra touchdowns.

In case you’re wondering, the Republican caucus meetings are already closed.