Gays and Guns

As previously noted, Daschle is opposed to gay marriage but also opposed to a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Stephanie Herseth, the Democrat who is running in the South Dakota special election in June, however, is for the constitutional amendment. Atrios doesn't like her position ("offensive and legal gibberish") and thinks her and Daschle need to work out a consistent position. The Daily Kos and his readers don't like her position either and are considering revoking their support. Herseth's position in favor of the Constitutional amendment, just like Senator Johnson's vote against gun locks on Friday (which Daschle favored), again highlights a problem for Daschle, i.e. there's a reason Herseth and Johnson are taking positions in South Dakota that are contrary to Daschle. It's what's called "electability" this campaign season. And it's why Daschle's DC v. SD balancing act is so complicated, as this Roll Call article notes.

Comments

[Brad S]

I always though a progressive and savvy woman like Stephanie Herseth should not even be wasting her time running for a SD congress seat, and this stand for the FMA proves it. Frankly, she should be either in DC or living in another, more progressive state where she could be more useful toward the Dems.

This does not explain Johnson's behavior, though. What's he worried about?

[patrick]

What a joke. These folks are all over the map, because like liars they know deception is a lot more complicated than simple truth. The first comment makes clear that Herseth is being a complete hypocrite and is saying not what she wants to see happen but shaving her beliefs just enough to get elected.

That's not Democracy, that a sophisticated con game. How foolish do they think the people are?

Hopefully, the con game with Daschle and Herseth both will be busted and honest Representatives who actually say what they believe will be elected.