General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRepublican Senator Dean Heller Becomes Critical 60th Vote For LGBT Job Protections
Sorry if this was already posted. It kind of surprised me.
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/11/04/2882301/republican-senator-dean-heller-critical-60th-vote-lgbt-job-protections/
Republican Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) just announced his support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), making him the critical 60th vote needed to bring the bill to the Senate floor:
HELLER: After listening to Nevadans concerns about this issue from a variety of viewpoints and after numerous conversations with my colleagues, I feel that supporting this legislation is the right thing to do. Under the leadership of this Governor, as well as the legislature over the past several years Nevada has established a solid foundation of anti-discrimination laws. This legislation raises the federal standards to match what we have come to expect in Nevada, which is that discrimination must not be tolerated under any circumstance
William769
(55,147 posts)MineralMan
(146,318 posts)That's the biggest challenge in the House. I know that Nancy Pelosi is working on a plan to get it on the floor. Fingers crossed.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Mass
(27,315 posts)Too many regulations hurt business
OR
Protect bigots' freedom of expression?
Because, of course, most of those opposing the bill will claim they are not bigot (most, not all. Paul Broun will proudly tell us about the Bible).
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Of course, to bigots like Boehner GLBT civil rights have always been 'frivolous'
Mass
(27,315 posts)Same people who refused to support equal pay for women, and would probably have voted against the Civil Rights Act. (but they support equality for LGBT, women, and minorities. :sarcasm
davidpdx
(22,000 posts)If the fundies and Tea Party have their way and convince Boner to not bring it up unless it has a majority of support in the R caucus then it could be screwed.
MineralMan
(146,318 posts)Sadly, it is not. I'm glad Senator Heller has made the right choice. The House may be a tougher chamber for this one, but there may be a path to approval. Fingers crossed and emails sent.
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)azurnoir
(45,850 posts)now let's see if the bill makes it through the House
Rebellious Republican
(5,029 posts)He thinks he wins for looking moderate knowing it is going no where.
efhmc
(14,731 posts)how many still did not vote for this bill even if it is not going anywhere in the Congress. His vote will be recorded and can make a difference even if for only a moment. And you know maybe he really does think this way and this is making it easier to vote the way he thinks is right. So sad to think it is so difficult to do the right thing in our government today, even if one wants to.
Rebellious Republican
(5,029 posts)flame for response. Unless you really want to hear my feelings?
efhmc
(14,731 posts)I am sad that no one can do anything anymore without there being an underlying motive. Why can't it ever be because one is convinced it's the right thing to do. My old desire to see the best in humanity doesn't seem to be working anymore, especially in our government. I wish they all could be Senator Leahy. I love that man. Unfortunately I have the dregs Cornyn and Cruz. Still, I hope for better.
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)Some of it from within his own party. There are some sane Republicans who see the handwriting on the wall and view their current approach on civil rights issues as self-defeating and ultimately suicidal.
Rebellious Republican
(5,029 posts)I do not hold out much hope on your Boehner theory. He has shown is ass to many times, we will see.
gopiscrap
(23,761 posts)pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)Ayotte (NH)
Collins (ME)
Hatch (UT)
Heller (NV)
Kirk (IL)
Portman (OH)
Toomey (PA)
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00229#position
MADem
(135,425 posts)Is NV becoming more liberal?
This guy is "safe," though, in that he can afford to be brave and stand up to the Tea Partiers, because he slid into his seat as an appointee (he replaced the disgraced John Ensign) and then won his seat in a regular election just last year....so he's not going to feel any heat from the bigots until 2019, which probably influenced his decision.
Anyway, it doesn't matter why at this stage, it just matters that he does the right thing.
Initech
(100,083 posts)Anti discrimination can apply to anyone and anything. I hope that they get this passed before Obama leaves office!