From Deseret News archives:
Nuptial vote is short in Senate
Amendment likely dead for now, but GOP not giving up
"The battle is just beginning," said Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., main sponsor of the amendment, after losing 48-50 and likely killing the amendment for the year.
That total was 12 votes short of the 60, or three-fifths majority, needed to cut off debate and vote on the amendment itself. It was 19 short of the 67, or two-thirds majority, needed to pass a constitutional amendment. Such amendments must pass by two-thirds majorities in both houses and be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures.
Even though it was a procedural vote, Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, one of the GOP's top vote counters as its chief deputy whip, said the totals "give a pretty clear picture of where we are (in support margins) for the amendment itself."
On the losing side were 45 Republicans and three Democrats. On the winning side were 43 Democrats, six Republicans and one independent. Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and John Edwards, D-N.C., skipped the vote while campaigning for president and vice president but have said they oppose the amendment.
While amendment supporters obviously have far to go, "It doesn't mean it won't be back. This is a serious matter. . . . It's like the Civil Rights Act was defeated at first, and they brought it back year after year, gaining support until they finally passed it," Bennett said.
Bennett said Republicans sought the ability in the debate to alter wording of the amendment possibly to make it more clear that civil unions for gays would be allowed to gain votes. Democrats, however, vowed to filibuster, or talk to death, anything but a straight up-or-down vote on Allard's version of it.
Bennett said that doomed the GOP's ability to gain more votes, and it is why Republican leaders went to the procedural vote to try to thwart the threatened Democratic filibustering.
Comments
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Who is Oprah's heir apparent? 11:39 a.m.
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25 11:34 a.m.
- Fed under fire, public anger mounts 11:28 a.m.
- No quagga mussels at Bear Lake 11:27 a.m.
- Former health chief: Ignore guideline 11:11 a.m.
- Sen. moderates frustrate other Dems 10:57 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
194 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
173 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
166 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
122 - BYU records with win
116 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
Reading the letter, I am not sure that it is eating that is the sin, but...
The media that Sarah criticizes so much is the same force that is providing...
We'll be back next year. I know it, and I hope that all of our coaches and...
This year TCU has proven to the world how weak the MWC is (MWC=WAC). BYU and...
I have no problem with religious people voting their conscience. I do,...
I have to agree that the comment about "the pesky seniors" is uncalled...
I was in my Latin class in High School in California. Our teacher hadn't...
Glenn Beck is Oprah's heir apparent since he has a larger following and can...
of atheism just as morally equal to spreading the Gospel of Christianity. To...
Yes, 40% of doctors polled said they will definitely or seriously consider...


You can be the first to comment on this story.