A politician's conviction
Known as one of the old-school Democrats on Capitol Hill -- i.e. one who has learned to work with the Republican majority to get what he needs -- Sen. Mike Dmitrich showed how it's done Friday.
During debate of a law that would require a parent's consent before a teen can have an abortion, Dmitrich said he didn't like the bill. It probably would end up in court anyway. But he said he would vote for it, nevertheless. It's a matter of simple politics, he said.
To be fair, many Democratic Utah lawmakers have voted for Utah's abortion bills -- whether for their consciences or political expediency. But Dmitrich laid bare his reasoning Friday.
"I've been here a long time and I've seen these abortion bills come every election cycle. And I've voted against every one," Dmitrich said. "I don't believe we're a radical state on abortion. I don't believe in abortion. I don't know anyone in rural Utah who's had an abortion.
"I'm probably going to vote for this thing -- and I'm not going to feel good about it," he said. "It's going to end up in court. We've lost a lot of money on these court battles. We haven't had a good track record.
"But if there's one thing that hurts Democrats in Utah, it's voting against abortion bills."
--Rebecca Walsh
During debate of a law that would require a parent's consent before a teen can have an abortion, Dmitrich said he didn't like the bill. It probably would end up in court anyway. But he said he would vote for it, nevertheless. It's a matter of simple politics, he said.
To be fair, many Democratic Utah lawmakers have voted for Utah's abortion bills -- whether for their consciences or political expediency. But Dmitrich laid bare his reasoning Friday.
"I've been here a long time and I've seen these abortion bills come every election cycle. And I've voted against every one," Dmitrich said. "I don't believe we're a radical state on abortion. I don't believe in abortion. I don't know anyone in rural Utah who's had an abortion.
"I'm probably going to vote for this thing -- and I'm not going to feel good about it," he said. "It's going to end up in court. We've lost a lot of money on these court battles. We haven't had a good track record.
"But if there's one thing that hurts Democrats in Utah, it's voting against abortion bills."
--Rebecca Walsh
4 Comments:
So when are we going to require lawmakers to post bond to compensate citizens for the expenses defending frivolous laws?
All those in favor of splitting the cost between all of those who vote for the bills, say 'aye'.
AYE!
AYE!
AYE!
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