First, You Hit The Hot Button Issue, Then, You Get The Votes And Then You Get The Redistricting Pen
Jeff Woods puts his finger on what the Family Action Council of TN and the Republican Party's real aim is when pushing SJR 127, a resolution which would put before the voters an amendment to the state constitution giving the legislature more latitude on the issue of abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned:
What it's really all about is politics. Republicans would love to stick an abortion referendum on the 2010 ballot to boost turnout for the next governor's election.
The boost is critical not due to just wanting to recapture the Governor's mansion (which surely they do) but because 2010 is when redistricting would traditionally occur and whomever controls the legislature holds the pen that draws the districts.
If the judges deliver pro
If the judges deliver pro abortion rulings, why don't we Impeach them?
As a pro life Dem. I am
As a pro life Dem. I am highly insulted for you to suggest that my strong support is about redistricting instead of the issue of allowing my elected reps. to put restrictions around abortion and to not let the abortion industry run wild without limits, restrictions or that even their own facilities being licensed etc.
this is about life not party labels or drawing lines.
This is also about the judges trying to make the laws as they see fit.
I am pretty sure the AG just
I am pretty sure the AG just ruled partial birth abortion LEGAL in Tennessee.
Dunn's attempt at spin aside,
Dunn's attempt at spin aside, the "Scene" notes the political nature of the GOP "anti-abortion" movement in another column, "Confederacy of Dunces." Republicans claim the state constitution must be amended to provide for waiting periods and informed consent, but Senate Republicans, led by Diane Black, killed a Democratic bill to provide those very restrictions. And the state attorney general ruled the bill constitutional. The Republicans are blatantly playing politics with abortion.
And let's also note that partial birth abortion is illegal in Tennessee under federal law. The Republicans are running a sham.
Actually, instead of
Actually, instead of continuing to pursue SJR127, it would be better for Republicans to stop trying and go into the upcoming elections being able to say the Democrats killed the bill in a subcommittee created by Speaker Naifeh. Therefore, anyone voting for Speaker Naifeh (all Democrats)supports keeping abortion on demand, including partial birth abortion. Instead, Fowler and most Republicans are working with pro-life Democrats for passage because they believe the issue is bigger than politics. A vote on the floor allows some Dem's in conservative districts to have something to point to. Without that vote, the only vote they have to be scored on is the one for Speaker.