HR 1913: Hate Crimes Bill Passes Passes House

HR 1913 (Local Law Enforcement Prevention Act of 2009) has passed the House of Representatives, 247-175.  Please take a look at the roll call to see if your Congressional Representative voted for the bill.  Please call and thank them for their support if they voted yes.  I'm proud to say that Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-5), my representative, voted for the bill as did Steve Cohen (TN-9). 

Seventeen democrats voted against the bill, three of them, sadly, from Tennessee:  Davis (TN-4), Gordon (TN-6) and Tanner (TN-8). There were 18 Republicans who voted in favor of the measure.

The Senate is expected to pass its version of hate crimes legislation, which was introduced earlier this week by Ted Kennedy (S.909).  Here's a list of the 33 co-sponsors who have signed on already. 

Sen. Edward Kennedy [D, MA]
Sen. Daniel Akaka [D, HI]
Sen. Evan Bayh [D, IN]
Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D, NM]
Sen. Sherrod Brown [D, OH]
Sen. Maria Cantwell [D, WA]
Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD]
Sen. Robert Casey [D, PA]
Sen. Susan Collins [R, ME]
Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT]
Sen. Richard Durbin [D, IL]
Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA]
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand [D, NY-20]
Sen. Thomas Harkin [D, IA]
Sen. Tim Johnson [D, SD]
Sen. John Kerry [D, MA]
Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D, MN]
Sen. Mary Landrieu [D, LA]
Sen. Frank Lautenberg [D, NJ]
Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT]
Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI]
Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I, CT]
Sen. Jeff Merkley [D, OR]
Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D, MD]
Sen. Patty Murray [D, WA]
Sen. Bill Nelson [D, FL]
Sen. Ben Nelson [D, NE]
Sen. John Reed [D, RI]
Sen. Charles Schumer [D, NY]
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen [D, NH]
Sen. Olympia Snowe [R, ME]
Sen. Arlen Specter [D, PA]
Sen. Mark Udall [D, CO]
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse [D, RI]

Congresswoman Foxx Comparing Being Gay To Prostitution

I don’t know why I’m surprised anymore, but hateful comments like this catch me off guard.

Many of you know that we’ve been closely following the Hate Crimes Legislation (HR 1913) that’s swiftly moving through Congress. During discussion today in the Rules Committee, Congresswoman Virginia Fox, citing reasons why she objects to expanding hate crimes language to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” said these words this afternoon:

"Why is it worse to go after someone who's gay than going after someone who's a prostitute?"

"Should there be an amendment to this to say that prostitutes are a protected class?"

You read it right. A sitting US Congresswoman has officially declared a comparison of gays and lesbians to an act that is considered a crime in 99% of the country.

I just got off the phone with someone from her office, expressing my deep disappointment that an elected official to the US Congress would make such remarks. Please take a few minutes and call Foxx’s office as soon as possible to let her know how you feel. Please be civil.

Her Washington number is 202-225-2071.

Specter Reaction: Sour Grapes For Martinez

You gotta love Twitter! Mel Martinez's off the cuff remark just moments ago makes me wonder if he's a little jealous. Martinez announced that he would not be seeking reelection after polls long ago indicated big trouble for him in 2010. Now, he'll have to ride off into the sunset without Specter by his side. Maybe Jim Bunning, Kitt Bond, Judd Gregg, and George Voinovich can keep him company. 

(1:50 pm)  RE Specter's Party Switch:The pressure is now on moderate democrats to stop the radical agenda. I am disappointed and surprised.

(two minutes later) On lighter note, Sen Dodd came to Republican meeting where Specter was speaking and asked if Ds could trade for someone else. 

Switcharoo! Specter (D-PA)

Sometimes you do what you have to do.  Arlen Specter, a Republican since 1966, is switching parties.

Surprise? 

A Quinnipiac poll, released just moments ago, shows Specter trailing Pat Toomey by 14 points in PA's Republican 2010 Primary. Even more grim was Rasmussen's poll earlier this week which put Specter behind by 21. (See fourth paragraph "studied public opinion...")

With Toomey out of the way, Specter should be safe.  Rothberg Political Report has already updated their projections to include Specter's seat listed as "clear advantage for incumbent party."  We'll keep you updated as new polls become available.

Here's Specter's press release:

April 28, 2009

Statement by Senator Arlen Specter
I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.

Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.

I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.

I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the Party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Senators McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.

I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania's economy.

I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.

While each member of the Senate caucuses with his Party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which Party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his Party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.

My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords' switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.

Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy's statement that sometimes Party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.

President Obama's reaction:  "You have my full support, and we're thrilled to have you."  

ILLINOIS SENATE 2010: Democrats Safe - Burris Not So Safe

INCUMBENT: Roland Burris, Democrat

• Appointed December 30, 2008 by Ex-Governor,  Rod Blagojevich
• Burris is filling the vacated seat left by President Obama
• DOB - 08/03/1937

POTENTIAL CHALLENGERS (names being tossed around): Representative Jan Schakowsky, Alexi Giannoulias, Representative Mark Kirk.

2008 PRESIDENTIAL STATE RESULTS: Obama 62%  McCain 37%

Believe it or not, the Illinois 2010 Primary is less than one year away. Roland Burris has indicated that he'll announce "in the very near future" whether or not he intends to defend his seat. With little more than pocket change to show for as well as the guarantee that other heavy-hitting Democrats will be showing up, our bet is that Burris doesn't stand a chance. There's also that 19% favorability rating... 

An internal poll, released by Representative Jan Schakowsky, shows her leading Burris and State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias. The good news for all of them is that more than a third of the respondents were undecided about who they would vote for. Schakowsky, should she run, will have to overcome the fundraising advantage Giannoulias, who has more than a half-million dollar edge already.

Despite a weak showing by Burris, there's little chance that of this seat turning red, regardless of which Democratic candidate emerges. One Republican name that's being tossed around is Mark Kirk, although he's still unsure about whether or not he's going to run in the senate or governor race.

COLORADO SENATE 2010: BENNET HAS WORK TO DO

A new PPP poll shows that Democratic Senator, Michael Bennet, needs to get back in the good graces of Colorado voters.  Just 34% of Colorado residents approve of the job he's doing. While Bennet is still favored over most potential Republican challengers, getting reelected may come down to improving support from Hispanics.

There’s still some indication within the numbers that Hispanic voters might be angry that one of them was not appointed to replace Ken Salazar. Bennet’s spread with Hispanics is 36/45, much worse than Barack Obama’s 58/36 and one he’ll have to improve with that Democratic leaning demographic if he’s going to be reelected.

ARIZONA SENATE 2010: Simcox Will Challenge McCain In Republican Primary

Nothing is easy for John McCain these days.  There will be no free ride for mavericks in the 2010 Arizona primary.

Border hawk and Minuteman founder, Chris Simcox, already has his website up and running. Portraying himself as the only conservative in the race, Simcox begins throwing hard blows at McCain on the issue of border security.

"[John McCain] is fully responsible for the deaths along our borders, the raging violence in Mexico and the violence we have in the streets of U.S. cities from border to border and coast to coast. We need someone to take a strong stance, say, 'Enough is enough, you're not representing us.'"

Which John McCain will show up in this election?  Will he support steps toward citizenship for illegal immigrants, as he has in the past, or will he pander to the right-wing of his party?

HR 1913: Hate Crimes Legislation Clears House Committee

Following up on our Monday blog, we are pleased to inform you that the House Judiciary Committee passed HR 1913, 15-12.

Democrats are well aware of public support for this legislation as they advance it toward President Obama's desk.  A gallup poll in May 2007 revealed that 68% of Americans support expanding current hate crimes laws to include "gender," "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." George Bush vetoed a similar bill in 2007.

Leaders from within the gay community have also been pushing members of Congress to extend health insurance benefits to same sex couples who are federal employees.  Another hot button issue has been a repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which was introduced once again last month. But don't look for these particular debates to make much progress anytime soon.  Barney Frank, just yesterday, advised a wait strategy before taking up Don't Ask, Don't tell.   

“I believe we should and will do ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ next year. We haven’t done the preliminary work, the preparatory work. It would be a mistake to bring it up without a lot of lobbying and a lot of conversation.”

“People think because they know the rules, that somehow you gain some advantage from it. ... But we all know the rules; the question is when to do it. The key issues are not procedural, it’s political."

My take:  With precision, Democrats are targeting these issues as they develop into more feasible achievements. While some gay and lesbian advocate groups may want Congress to vote tomorrow on gay marriage, they would be asking for too much, too soon. Imagine if one of these issues were defeated in a Democratic controlled congress.  Social conservatives would claim a moral victory, yet again, and the argument would be dead, yet again.

For now, it appears that HR 1913 is headed for the Senate where Republicans will certainly do all they can to muster a filibuster. But defeating hate crimes legislation this time won't be as easy as in 2007.  Both Maine Republicans, Snowe and  Collins, voted for the 2007 bill. Besides fewer votes to work with, there's a Democrat in the White House waiting to sign the bill into law - signaling to anxious gay and lesbian advocates that the new administration is still on their side.

Hate Crimes Legislation - Your Action Is Needed

Everyone please mark your calendars for April 22nd. The House Judiciary Committee is set to vote on H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. Language in the bill includes “sexual orientation,” which is why this bill has our attention (and why so-called family groups are in a tizzy.) Forty-two congressmen have already signed on as co-sponsors.

Please call your own US Representative today to express your support for H.R. 1913, especially if they are on the House Judiciary Committee (link to members here).  Ask them to sign on as a co-sponsor if they haven’t already.

The right-wing Traditional Values Coalition has already released this statement regarding the bill. Unsurprisingly, they have also organized an effort to lobby Congress.

“The so-called hate crimes bill will be used to lay the legal foundation and framework to investigate, prosecute and persecute pastors, business owners, Bible teachers, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, Christian counselors, religious broadcasters and anyone else whose actions are based upon and reflect the truths found in the Bible.”

This same argument has been used over and over in the past to defeat similar bills. Their position is inaccurate and irrational. HR 1913, in fact, does not restrict free speech whatsoever. Lawmakers who drafted the bill went out of their way to ensure freedom of speech. Section 10 makes this abundantly clear (see text of the full bill).  A simple google search of “HR 1913 Hate Crimes” will reveal a fierce opposition to this bill by some social conservative groups who have adopted the very same talking points (other groups are gearing up for an all-out fight in the Senate).

When I contacted TVC this morning, I asked them to point out any language that restricted free speech. Of course, the agent could not highlight any portion whatsoever and instead claimed that an appointed group of lawyers had discovered in the language dangerous nuances that would compromise “free speech for pastors at the pulpit.”

Fight back by calling your Representative, and those on the House Judiciary Committee, today. Tell them to vote “YES” on HR 1913. You can bet that organizers on the opposite side of this fight are lobbying Congress, even as you read these words. We cannot allow them to defeat hate crimes legislation again.

Dobson Has A New Office In DC

Focus On The Family is opening an office in Washington for the first time ever according to Washington Whispers. 

Advancing a right-wing social agenda from Colorado Springs is one thing.  Launching similar campaigns from within the beltway is another.  Liberals will tear these guys apart -- we hope. 

More Tea Party Video

H/T: R. Neal, KnoxViews

Precious Tea Party Video

Bless their hearts...

CONNECTICUT SENATE 2010: DODD REPORTS $1M IN FIRST QUARTER

Senator Dodd's poll numbers may be way down, but that hasn't stopped his supporters from digging deep from within their pockets. $1M in three months -- not too shabby.

Kentucky Senate 2010: Mongiardo Rakes It In - Bunning's Numbers 'Lousy'

While we wait on Kentucky Senator, Jim Bunning's numbers, potential Democratic challenger, Lt. Governor, Daniel Mongiardo, reports having already raised more than $400,000.  

Fair & Balanced Screenshot of the Day

The Counterrevolutionary Media just can't help themselves. The front page of their website this afternoon shows pictures of Rachel Maddow, Anderson Cooper and David Shuster with capital lettered words written across all of them reading, "TV TOILET HUMOR."

Promoting yesterday's freakshow event like a rock concert made a lot of us laugh. Now, Fox News ' feelings are hurt.  They're fighting back, exposing those left-wing media types and all of those supposed filthy jokes they've been broadcasting -- because the tea parties were such a family event. (see the Huffington Post's Top 10 most offensive tea party signs)