Sen. Alexander (TN) will support Marriage Amendment

self | 07/12/2004 | self

[MainFrame65]

A few weeks ago I received a faint-hearted, weak response to my request for support for Constitutional protection of marriage, in the face of a concerted assault on the institution of marriage by the courts. I quote an excerpt:

There are several proposals before Congress that would begin the process of amending the Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. I am not persuaded that amending the Constitution is necessary because Tennessee already defines marriage as between a man and a woman, and as I said before, federal law makes clear our state's right to enforce that definition.

I'm grateful you took the time to let me know where you stand. I'm still reviewing these issues, and I'll be sure to keep your comments in mind as these issues are debated here in Washington and in Tennessee.

Sincerely,

Lamar

I just got off the phone with his local office. His "representative" there has assured me that the senator "will support a marriage amendment when it comes to the floor for a vote". I questioned him about voting for the bill now being debated on the floor, as well as support for resisting procedural challenges and filibusters, and was again quoted the specific language of the statement above. I reminded him that I, my wife, and my sons will be watching with great interest, and will not be fooled by the kind of procedural games and pretense that Congress is so fond of.

He took my name and address, requesting spelling and clarification, so I think he was checking to see if I was on their list. But I have NEVER failed to vote when an opportunity came along, so I am sure he found me.

[MainFrame65]

Lamar Alexander has been a real disappointment. He has supported the President when he veered to the left, and opposed him on important issues on the right. I hope we can make him a one-termer, but that will be four years from now.

[concerned about politics]

I hope we can make him a one-termer, but that will be four years from now.

You'll find democrats running as Republicans because it's the only way they can win.
Each Freeper group needs to keep their area posted whenever their representative fails to represent their constituents. If they don't do the job they were hired to do, the people need to fire them. That's where mass e-mails, letters to the editors, and radio calls come into play. It's the only way to stop the left wing liars from retaining power. No one likes a blatant liar.

[rface]

the ACLU has started lawsuits in other states - so the argument that, "we already have a law...." no longer gives cover to those who haven't been too eager to suport an amendment.

Sen. Bond (MO) and Sen. Talent (MO) both have said they will support the amendment.

[JohnnyZ]

There are a few Republicans definitely opposed: Collins and Chafee, and probably a few others like McCain. Also a few who claim to be undecided: Snowe, Murkowski, DeWine (!) who's usually good on social issues, and Gordon Smith.

There are a whole lot definitely in favor:

FOR THE AMENDMENT: Jeff Sessions, R.-Ala.; Richard Shelby, R.-Ala.; Jon Kyl, R.-Ariz.; Wayne Allard, R.-Colo.; Zell Miller, D.-Ga.; Chuck Grassley, R.-Iowa; Larry Craig, R.-Idaho; Michael Crapo, R.-Idaho; Sam Brownback, R.-Kan.; Jim Bunning, R.-Ky.; Norm Coleman, R.-Minn.; James Talent, R.-Mo.; Thad Cochran, R.-Miss.; Trent Lott, R.-Miss.; Conrad Burns, R.-Mont.; Elizabeth Dole, R.-N.C.; Pete Domenici, R.-N.M.; John Ensign, R.-Nev.; James Inhofe, R.-Okla.; Don Nickles, R.-Okla.; Rick Santorum, R.-Pa.; Lindsey Graham, R.-S.C.; Lamar Alexander, R.-Tenn.; Bill Frist, R.-Tenn.; John Cornyn, R.-Texas; Kay Hutchison, R.-Texas; Orrin Hatch, R.-Utah; George Allen, R.-Va.; Michael Enzi, R.-Wyo.

http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?ID=18583

[Blood of Tyrants]

I believe that Lamar has been made to see the light in a "come to Jesus" meeting with several prominent Republicans. This is an election year and the Republicans are eager to force the Rats out into the broad daylight with their support of the homosexual agenda.

cap, Lamar isn't so much as a Rat in GOP clothing as he is a weak kneed Republican. I quite classify him as a RINO, he's just not as strong a conservative as the GOP candidate he beat out in the primary (Rep. Van Hilleary).

[concerned about politics]

the ACLU has started lawsuits in other states - so the argument that, "we already have a law...." no longer gives cover to those who haven't been too eager to suport an amendment.

That's forcing the amendment. Even those who'd rather do it a different way have no choice now but to support an amendment.
Because one state caved, they'll try to force their fascist mind control on all the other states. They're not letting America decide.
They're trying to dictate and force us all to obey.

[c-b 1]

There are a few Republicans definitely opposed: Collins and Chafee, and probably a few others like McCain.

McCain's aid said he is opposed, when we called this morning.

[rwfromkansas]

Every undecided member of the Senate and multiple people opposed would have to be swayed to our side. There is a greater chance of an asteroid hitting Earth every minute for the next 100 years.

[brothers4thID]

I know of at least two die-hard conservatives opposed to this proposed ammendment because it recognizes civil unions and they don't like the idea of civil unions.

[B Knotts]

Good! It's high time for some arm-twistin'!

[Blood of Tyrants]

As said, that it won't pass is a given. This vote is to force the Rats out of their closet support for the radical homosexual movement. Kerry will either vote against it to "show his commitment to family values", for it to show his support for the radical homosexuals and try to spin it into something else (like calling it "civil rights" or som eother such nonsense, or skip the vote altogether.

If he skips it he will probably try to which ever side he is talking to that he would have voted their way.

It will be interesting to see what he says if he decides to skip it and it fails by one vote.

[MainFrame65]

> "Every undecided member of the Senate and multiple people opposed..." <

If they can't be swayed to the right side, they need to be replaced. But the time for that is the NOMINATION, not the general election. If these weak-kneed Republicans can be defeated in the primaries, we can restore the integrity of our representation.

Let them know that we will be watching, and with the help of the internet, we will NOT FORGET their betrayal the next time their number is up. The world has changed, and they need to know that a fawning, obeisant press is no longer enough to shield them from their transgressions.

[concerned about politics]

I know of at least two die-hard conservatives opposed to this proposed ammendment because it recognizes civil unions and they don't like the idea of civil unions.

They have a good point. Has there been an amendment written opposing both? That would be even better for the country as a whole. Some states don't want that forced on them, either.

[Arthur McGowan]

A Constitutional Amendment is a scam, not intended to pass the Senate, but only to create an issue with which to bash Kerry-Edwards. A STATUTE to limit the appellate jurisdiction of the USSC is all that is needed. But the Repubs don't want Congress to use its power to limit the USSC's jurisdiction, because that would raise the question: "Why didn't you take abortion out of the jurisdiction of the USSC in 1973?"

[Lady Heron]

Lamar Alexander has been a real disappointment.

He has always been a disappointment ever since my childhood and always will be! My father and his wife voted straight Republican ticket until they got to Lamar...left that one blank. I will never understand why Tennessee keeps rehashing this guy.