My earlier blog reporting on CRA and Traditional Values Coalition’s concern about Republicans possibly supporting or abstaining from voting on Harvey Milk Day (SB 572) has elicited quite a response from the capitol. I should be clear that the email alerts I received and capitol sources I talked to indicate Republicans weren’t necessarily going to vote Yes on the bill, but possibly abstain from voting at all. Republican abstentions on such a controversial measure send the wrong message to the governor and constituents.
The theme running throughout each of the phone calls and emails I’ve received today is that people can’t understand why the CRA or TVC would question the votes of any Republican. In addition to reports from capitol insiders, perhaps their trepidation stems from GOP votes (or abstentions) on HR 17, which passed the Assembly just last month. HR 17 proclaims June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. An elaborate ceremony was conducted on the Assembly floor to commemorate the passage of the resolution. Unfortunately, only 11 Republicans went on the record opposing this bill, the rest abstained. Notably, the Republicans focused on by the CRA and TVC abstained from voting on HR 17.
In light of this vote (or lack thereof), perhaps CRA and TVC’s concern was understandable. As it stands now, several of the Republicans listed in the earlier blog, including Assemblywomen Conway and Harkey, and Assemblyman Nestande have all confirmed they will vote NO on Harvey Milk Day. It’s encouraging that the Assembly Republican Caucus seems to now be in one accord on this important issue.
July 10th, 2009 at 12:00 am
You are right, of course. One path of a legislative liaison can be to take information sent your way, light the fuse and throw the bomb. Many do.
I think the point you are missing from the phone calls and suggestions from some of us here on the blog is to engage personally with legislators and their staffs so you can get the real scoop and minimalize the collateral damage. Most legislators are in the job because they really do care and want to do what is best for the state.
You can either hit ’em before they see you coming, or have them welcome you coming to see them.
You are certainly free to take or leave free advice.
July 10th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Funny though, my CRA alert did not single out specific legislators, and looking at votes on HR 17 and the previous version of the “Harvey Milk” bill, the names don’t correlate at all…
July 10th, 2009 at 12:00 am
My advice is quite simple: you may want to question your sources if you are getting unreliable information that turns out to be outright false. That is a very basic tenet of journalistic reporting. Again, I underline, what better source is there than calling the actual legislative office and asking the question?