I wrote to Elizabeth Dole in regards to hate crimes and this is what she wrote back

[dsc]

Thank you for contacting me about hate crimes legislation. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to respond.

There are several federal statutes that protect against hate crimes and forty-three states currently have hate crime laws. Currently, offences against victims that are motivated by race, color, religion, or national origin are covereved by civil rights legislation. Furthermore, most crimes against victims based on their gender, disability, or sexual orientation are covered under state law.

As you may know, Senator Kenney has introduced the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (S. 1105). This legislation would define the term "hate crime" and would provide federal assistance to states, local jurisdiction, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, on which I do not serve.

In the House of Represenatatives, Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (HR 254) on January 5, 2007. This legislation, which is very similar to S 1105, was passed by the House on May 3, 2007, by a vote of 237-180l This bill has also been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Again, thank you for contacting me about your concerns. I will be sure to keep your views in mind should this issue be considered by the full Senate. Should you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact me or visit my website at http://dole.senate.gov.

With my warment best wishes,

Elisabeth Dole (signed with auto pen)

The above was dated October 4th and just got to me today.

I have some questions.

One, didn't they vote on this by now?

Two, which side is she on?

I hate to say this but at least Jesse knew where he stood. This is lame beyond belief.

[cami715]

1. Everything she sends out is a form letter.

I too have written her and received this kind of dumb response. I believe she is incapable of discussing a topic. All she does is spew back the Bush talking points on any topic.

Oh how I would like to see her defeated in the election!

[KingFlorez]

2. Just spit it out

One of the major problems with a lot of politicians is that they refuse to give real answers, it's always song and dance like this.