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March 11, 2005

Liveblogging the Lege

One important vote to note so far in the House -- they voted against a Republican attempt to limit the effectiveness of the state's labor unions. I'm told that all of the Democrats present voted against this measure, and that 14 Republicans joined them. Interestingly, I didn't see Rep. Tommy Smith (D R - Nicholls) on the list of Republicans voting yes. Smith, who cowardly switched parties last year when Appling County was included in his new district, was the only Republican to attend the labor reception held earlier this year. He was always considered a big labor guy, and yet the fear of losing his office obviously means more to him than his friends in Georgia's working people. What a loser.

I'm watching right now the Senate vote on the faith based amendment, SR 49. As you know, this is the second time that the measure has come up. So far, the Republicans in the body have systematically voted down every one of the Democrats amendments, even though those amendments are the only way the bill will ultimately pass.

Update 7:43 PM: Nice speech by Sen. Doug Stoner (D - Smyrna). It won't be the Democrats fault when this amendment fails. Stoner and the Democrats offered a faith based amendment that would receive unanimous support in the Senate from all but the most hardened pro-voucher partisans -- and they offered it before Perdue's proposal was unveiled. When this amendment fails it is Sonny Perdue's fault, and no one else.

Update 7:53 PM: I think Sen. Steve Thompson (D - Mableton) just said he was voting against the amendment this time. The first time the Senate voted, he was the only Democrat to join the Republicans in supporting this amendment.

Update 8:02 PM: Now Sen. George Hooks (D - Americus) schools the Senate on the history of the so-called Blaine amendment - it isn't at all. They don't make them like they made George Hooks anymore. I recommend loading the Realvideo of the legislature and watching from 7:53 - 8:02 for a real entertaining history lesson and oratory from the Senator from the 14th.

Update 8:09 PM: Nice speech by Sen. Emanuel Jones (D - Stockbridge). According to Sen Jones, even Bishop Eddie Long is opposed to the "faith based" amendment.

Final Update 8:10 PM: 32 yeas, 21 nays. All Democrats voted against it, Sen. Charles Walker (D - Augusta) didn't vote. The good guys win another one today.

Posted by Chris at March 11, 2005 07:35 PM

Comments

Certainly you could not be talking about the same Rep. Tommy Smith who offered to vote for either Terry Coleman or Larry Walker as Speaker, whichever one would commit to having the State budget $75,000 for an office for him in the Bacon County Courthouse.

Posted by: Sid Cottingham [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 13, 2005 02:31 PM

Why yes. And by "fear of losing his office" I had meant elected office but obviously that "constituent services" office atop the Bacon County courthouse is also very important to him, I hear.

Posted by: chris [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 14, 2005 09:04 AM

Having been in that office in the top of the courthouse in Bacon County, with its big Confererate flag on the wall, i cannot believe it would cost $75,000 to run it.

Posted by: azinncga [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 14, 2005 09:30 PM

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