FLASHREPORT

My earlier blog reporting on CRA and Traditional Values Coalition's concern about Republicans possibly supporting or abstaining from voting on Harvey Milk Day (SB 572) has elicited quite a response from the capitol. I should be clear that the email alerts I received and capitol sources I talked to indicate Republicans weren't necessarily going to vote Yes on the bill, but possibly abstain from voting at all. Republican abstentions on such a controversial measure send the wrong message to the governor and constituents. 

The theme running throughout each of the phone calls and emails I've received today is that people can't understand why the CRA or TVC would question the votes of any Republican. In addition to reports from capitol insiders, perhaps their trepidation stems from GOP votes (or abstentions) on HR 17, which passed the Assembly just last month. HR 17 proclaims June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. An elaborate ceremony was conducted on the Assembly floor to commemorate the passage of the resolution. Unfortunately, only 11 Republicans went on the record opposing this bill, the rest abstained. Notably, the Republicans focused on by the CRA and TVC abstained from voting on HR 17. 

In light of this vote (or lack thereof), perhaps CRA and TVC's concern was understandable. As it stands now, several of the Republicans listed in the earlier blog, including Assemblywomen Conway and Harkey, and Assemblyman Nestande have all confirmed they will vote NO on Harvey Milk Day. It's encouraging that the Assembly Republican Caucus seems to now be in one accord on this important issue.