The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released its congressional scorecard for 2006. Indiana's congressional delegation fared poorly overall. The Senate scorecard is based on votes taken or support pledged this year on the Federal Marriage Amendment, the judicial nominations of William Pryor and Samuel Alito, sex education, early HIV treatment, same-sex immigration benefits and hate crimes. Senator Richard Lugar (R) scored zero, voting against HRC's position on all of the issues. He is running unopposed for re-election this year. Sen. Evan Bayh (D), who plans to seek the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, scored 89%, voting with HRC on all but one of the issues. Bayh opposed granting the same immigration benefits to same-sex couples which opposite sex couples currently enjoy.
Members of the House of Representatives were rated by HRC on votes the members made, or pledged support for, the Federal Marriage Amendment, hate crimes, repeal of "Don'tAsk, Don't Tell" and immigration benefits for same-sex couples. Rep. Julia Carson (D) received the highest score at 88%. Like Bayh, Carson opposed granting immigration benefits to same-sex couples. Rep. Pete Visclosky (D) scored a 75% rating. Visclosky opposed repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy" and immigration benefits for same-sex couples. Rep. John Hostettler (R) came in third with a score of 38% based on the sole weight of his vote against the Federal Marriage Amendment. Rep. Chris Chocola (R), Rep. Mark Souder (R), Rep. Steve Buyer (R), Rep. Dan Burton (R), Rep. Mike Pence (R) and Rep. Mike Sodrel (R) all scored a zero. Chocola, Hostettler and Sodrel are all trailing their Democratic opponents according to recent polls.
Out of curiosity I checked the score earned by former Rep. Mark Foley (R), who recently resigned because of inappropriate e-mail exchanges with male pages working for the House. He scored 75%, matching Visclosky's score. He too voted against extending immigration benefits to same-sex couples and repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
11 comments:
Thanks for pointing out Congresslady Julia Carson's great HRC rating. Have any Indpls Log Cabin Republicans asked Eric Dickerson specific questions about the LGBT issues the rating was based on? Or are you-all just grateful to find a GOP candidate who wont holler about "homosexual so-called marriage"? Has Eric ever put any gay-friendly answers in writing or is he afraid of scaring off the GOP voter base??
Be a little more accurate, Gary: only the Republicans in the Hoosier Congressional Delegation fared gawdawfully on the HRC ratings - the 3 Democrats voted decently.
That GOP Sodomite crowd has quite a job ahead of themselves to cleanse their Augean Stables! (even diverting the Wabash wont work)
Another bunch of left wingnuts putting out a phoney "report card"
As Chris Douglas has previously pointed out, Dickerson does not support adding a federal amendment on the issue. Douglas also indicated he supports non-discrimination legislation.
so Dickerson has told one person privately that Eric wont support the next GOP anti-gay-marriage amendment - that he would support some sort of non-discrimination legislation. Anything specific? Anything in writing? Anything to a group?
Chris Douglas is an honest person but is he just so delighted to finally find an Indiana Republican Congressional candidate who isnt a raving homophobe?
Julia voted from her condo, she didn't show up, sweat pants and tennis shoes aren't allowed.
I'd prefer to hear the Amendment stance directly form Eric's mouth and turn the speakers up LOUD for all to hear.
Chris is a fine fellow. But he's not the candidate.
I read this report, too, AI--and I'm a little confused. I guess I missed the immigration thing, although I have as friends one local gay couple which includes a foreign-resident here on guest visa. I should pay attention.
What's the big deal with that bill? Was it outvoted 97-2 and 420-15 or something? Was there wording which included really bad language? You never know sometimes how some of these bills end up language-wise, after amendments, compromises, posturing, etc. Why would we oppose something like this?
Just asking.
89% - 75% - 100% for Bayh (a STATEWIDE officeholder in a conservative Republican state) compared to 88% - 88% - 100% for Carson (who has a Democratic and moderate district) - Why does Carson always get credit for being so strong on gay issues when Bayh doesn't? Clearly, his votes are more significant considering the demographics!
Excellent observation 1:19. In other words, Julia can more-easily afford to lean further left on these issues, while it's tougher for a senator. Frankly, under that criteria, Lugar gets decent marks.
And as far as HRC issues go, there's probably a reason for that...
I do have to say that Eric Dickerson engaged me in conversation at Black Pride. I was working the Indiana Stonewall booth when he laughingly approached me. We had a discussion about issues, and Mr. Dickerson did say that he was opposed to the federal marriage amendment.
You all know Chris Douglas and I are not in cahoots on this (LOL) but I'd be remiss if I didn't report on it.
Thanks for sharing Linda. I heared the same thing from someone else who spoke to him at Black Pride.
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