Proponents of a constitutional ban on gay marriage failed to reach even a majority, let alone the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture and allow a vote on the amendment to go forward. However, being that it was a constitutional amendment, 66 votes would then be required for it to pass the Senate anyway. But, as we all know, the Republican leadership knew this vote would fail. Their purpose was to use this vote as a means to rally their base for the midterm elections in which they fear substantial losses.
But here's the problem. Republicans want to be able to use this vote to say "It's the obstructionist Democrats that are keeping us from passing this." And while it's true, that the vast majority of Democrats opposed the measure, a substantial number of Republicans defected as well! That's why they couldn't even get a majority. In fact, two Republicans to their credit - Judd Gregg and Arlen Specter - switch to a "Nay" vote from last year. Doesn't this tell the social conservative base that it's the Republicans who can't deliver here? They have a solid majority in the House and Senate, but can't do anything they really want like ban abortion and gay marriage.
The Republicans deserve nothing less than to have this backfire (as well as immigration reform), and have their base constituency - which they desperately need to stay in power - stay home on election day.
2 comments:
Good points.
In fact, two Republicans to their credit - Judd Gregg and Arlen Specter - switch to a "Nay" vote from last year. Doesn't this tell the social conservative base that it's the Republicans who can't deliver here?
The SoCons were saying that their numbers would improve with this vote -- good for sanity.
I really think Bush needs to be talking about Pro-Family in broader terms to include a gay marriage ban but also to include issues like divorce, domestic abuse, etc.
Show that he really care's about marriage in a holistic way.
--RC of strangeculture.blogspot.com
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