Democratic Congressman Joe Donnelly of Indiana guest posts at bilerico.com and explains why he voted against the hate crimes legislation last week.
Among some of his concerns over the legislation was the support for it and the opposition to it:
I took many factors into consideration before ultimately deciding to vote against H.R. 1592. Not least of those factors was the input I received from my constituents. All told, I received nearly five times as many calls, emails and letters from opponents of the bill as I did from its supporters.
Another “concern” was whether or not “a federal hate crimes law would truly be effective in ending the abhorrent acts of violence that are fueled by hate.”
Read the rest of his comments at bilerico.com and respond if you like. Just remember to keep your responses civil and polite, just as you would if you were speaking to a Congressional member face-to-face.
Technorati Tags: Joe Donnelly, Indiana, Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, Hate Crimes
May 9th, 2007 at 10:44 am
In a sense it’s almost refreshing to see a politician admit that he is soulless automaton.
May 9th, 2007 at 10:50 am
He is a “Representative.” Five times more people in his constituency told him to vote against it. Right or wrong, he did his job. We have the support for hate crimes legislation… we need to do a better job at empowering and motivating our base….
Speaking of which…. Contribute to Activate! The North Carolina Advocacy Coalition
May 9th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Thanks for the link, Matt. I hope your readers will take the time to comment on Joe Donnelly’s post to express their frustrations with his vote (politely, of course!). The Congressman has said he’d be checking in a few times to read comments and respond.
He got very few e-mails in support of the legislation from the district. Let’s show him that he’s on a national stage and that the bill affects those of us outside his conservative district too by giving him a lot of comments to read and think about.
After all, if Bush vetoes this, we may need his vote! And he IS swayable…
May 9th, 2007 at 11:34 am
I forgot to add, Representative Brad Ellsworth, Indiana’s other Democratic Rep who voted NO, will be guest blogging tomorrow to explain his vote as well.
May 10th, 2007 at 11:27 am
“Five times more people in his constituency told him to vote against it.”
That’s not what he said — see the comments at that post.
And it’s also irrelevant one way or the other.
May 10th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
You’re right Kip… I assumed the calls, letters and emails came from people in his constituency. Knowing the religious right, I’m sure it was just an email blast from all over the country.
May 10th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
HRC President Joe Solmonese responded to the two Congressmen in his own guest post too. You know, I’m proud of my site for the debate and spectacularly intelligent comments it’s spawned. Both Congressmen knew they’d have to face an unhappy crowd, but did it willingly. Would you? They’re willing to be educated on why they should have voted in favor of the legislation… If Bush vetoes the bill, we may need them. And between the comments and Joe’s post, it’s pretty darn convincing over there.
May 10th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
Thank you Bil for the work you have done in getting both Congressmen as well as Joe posting and starting a much needed conversation on this issue. Here in North Carolina we also have Democrats who saw fit to vote against the bill. Both Heath Shuler and Mike McIntyre voted no on the hate crimes legislation.