I almost titled this post:
Quote of the day: "You've already lost." Listen to the youtube and you'll understand.
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Massachusetts upheld gay marriage by the legislature simply refusing to ever vote on it.
Majority Leader Senator Gronstal - in this video that reflects my generational post - says he will not support bringing it up for a vote in this legislature. This is the same tactic used in Massachusetts.
By the time they reconvene in January 2010, most voters will realize this is just no big deal. I *hope* Iowa will be able to follow the Massachusetts model and just say “No” to legislative meddling.
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I think "No Senator McKinley, I will not sponsor a leadership bill with you" needs an explanation: In Iowa any bill can come up at the beginning of a session in January. Many years ago the legislature passed a "funnel" bill that said, basically, bills have to go through a committee by a certain date or not be voted on by the full body. The funnel date was weeks ago. For the legislature now to vote on the issue it would take the leadership of both parties to agree.
Senator Gronstall has the balls we, sadly, have not seen from the governor.
So....when they "adjourn" as soon as possible after this Friday, they don't come back until January 2010? And they make how much per year? And for how many months of work?
ReplyDeleteAdjourning soon is politically very smart. There's no need to let the right wing create "a movement" to get legislation against the court ruling going.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably in the minority on this one but I think legislators are dramatically underpaid. Last I knew it was just above $20,000. Hence, only lawyers can afford to run for office because they can schedule their work for the 8 months the legislature is not in session.
Also, virtually every house and senate incumbent I've met work year round. They don't vacation in Hawaii in the off season. They are back home and hearing from their constituents every day.