Christian Wire Service: Dobson commends Sen. Nelson on DOMA, judges

[Bluebear]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 10 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Focus on the Family Action Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., said today that he has been assured by U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson that the Nebraska Democrat has changed his position on the need for a marriage-protection amendment to the U.S. Constitution and that he will support up-or-down votes on all but one of President Bush's embattled judicial nominees.

Nelson, in a recent phone call with Dobson and another Focus Action staff member, pointed to last month's federal court decision voiding Nebraska's Defense of Marriage Amendment as the reason behind his change in position -- a statement he reiterated in a subsequent letter to Dobson. Prior to the May 12 ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon, Nelson had asserted that state-level protections for marriage were sufficient. Clearly, that is not the case.

"Sen. Nelson is to be commended for reevaluating his position on the need for the Marriage Protection Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (MPA) in light of Judge Bataillon's incomprehensible ruling," Dobson said. "The Senator now joins millions of Americans who recognize the threat posed by arrogant and activist judges who would deprive the people of their right to govern themselves. We look forward to working with Sen. Nelson to pass the MPA in the months ahead."

Nelson also committed during the phone call with Dobson not to filibuster any nominee to the federal bench already put forward by President Bush -- except for Henry Saad. Nelson is one of 14 senators -- seven Democrats and seven Republicans -- who brokered a deal last month to end the Democrat-led filibusters of three judicial nominees.

"Sen. Nelson's comments indicate he may be willing to go beyond the details of the ill-advised deal of last month, which allows liberals to continue to abuse filibusters in exchange for letting a handful of nominees through," Dobson said. "Sen. Nelson is doing what an elected official should do -- listening to what his constituents want and working to make sure they get it.

"It is unfortunate that Sen. Nelson's colleague, Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., still fails to acknowledge what is manifestly obvious -- that the Marriage Protection Amendment is the only provision that will place marriage beyond the reach of activist courts," Dobson noted. "We renew our call to Sen. Hagel to not disenfranchise the 70 percent of Nebraskans who voted for the state Defense of Marriage Amendment. He was elected to do the will of the people, and the will of the people is to preserve marriage as it has served all civilized societies for thousands of years."

http://www.earnedmedia.org/fotf0610.htm

[atreides1]

1. Nebraskan DUers

Will someone call his office and find out what's the story. This little tidbit makes it look as though Dobson has Nelson in his pocket, or collection plate.

[bigtree]

2. Dobson has Nelson in his pocket

that's the story.

[AX10]

3. Nebraska sucks.

just saying.....

[bigtree]

9. Malcom X was a Nebraskan

just sayin'. . .

[AX10]

15. There is good and bad in everything.

It's just that Nebraska has more bad then good.

[blm]

10. Dobson WANTS a Dem backlash on Nelson to get him to switch parties.

That creates a positive story for the GOP at a time when they're looking weak.

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. Nelson just needs to join Zell Miller

and get the hell out of the Democratic party! :grr::nuke::grr: What the fuck good is he??? Honestly, with Dems like him, who needs republicans???? :grr: Damn him!

[funflower]

6. If he'll vote for Reid for majority leader after 2006, we need him.

[KharmaTrain]

5. Christian News Source???

Ben Nelson is being targeted big time for 2006...being targeted for the same treatment Daschele got last year. Nelson is a moderate/conservative on most issues, but he's with the party on the major issues, but has a short leash to play with.

His votes are scrtunized and magnified in the local press and on the radio...so he, like other red state Democrats have to be careful not to step into a repugnican landmine. This sure looks like one.

DOMA is a dead issue on the federal level...even this regime knows it. It was a strawman that worked in scaring the sheeple last year and will be brought out again next year in specific races. Nelson appears to be innouclating himself from this non-issue for a Senator.

[bigtree]

12. In Nevada it is a core issue for gays and lesbians too.

The issue at hand is one of basic civil rights. The 'defense of marriage' Act is an attempt by conservatives to use the constitution, for the first time, to discriminate against gay and lesbian Americans seeking to have their union recognized by God and law. This is not an issue that I feel should be used in a political calculation that seeks to appease some fundie cabal in Nebraska or elsewhere. Damn the landmine! Stand up for our citizens. That's what they sent him there to do, not preserve his job.

Our basic civil liberties and constitutional rights are under active attack by this administration and their lackeys in Congress and all Nelson can seem to do is find ways to cozy up with them.

[KharmaTrain]

14. It's Still A Non-Issue

I can't see how any law that discriminates against a portion of the population can ever pass constitutional and judicial muster. This would be the first time a law would ever be instituted that would reverse the general principals of the Constitution. Last year I heard several constitutional scholars debate the issue and the arguements of the violation of basic human rights was so blatant it was almost impossible to justify or defend it in any legal sense.

But then we're not dealing with common sense.

I know this is an issue that can quickly turn into flame bait here, but I see this as a game used by Repugnicans to tar and feather vulnerable Democrats...and it was an effective tactic last year. The GOOP got a lot of mileage not only by creating an issue that's purely a states rights one (aren't they the party of state's rights??) and turned it into a weapon against vulnerable Democrats. The scenes of gays marching down the aisle was used very effectively by the GOOP and corporate media as it whipped up a frenzy on all sides that hurt Democrats.

Now Nelson can stand up and face the wrath of Dobson and other fundies in that state and risk losing the seat to another Brownback or other fundie...or we can "hold serve" at this point and see the political realities for some of these people.

[bigtree]

16. where does it end Kharma?

these folks will not be satisfied and there's no issue too controversial for this emboldened majority to throw out there. I think too much water has flowed under this bridge already. Will this become the new face of our party? Compromised beyond recognition in an attempt to survive?

[killbotfactory]

7. Dobson is one of the most prominent black republican leaders

Muslim, too.

[Bluebear]

8. Yes indeed!

:)

[The Blue Knight]

11. Nelson is just playing smart politics and covering his ass.

The fact we have a Dem senator from Nebraska is fucking amazing in the first place. I support Nelson doing whatever it takes to keep the seat.

[Bluebear]

13. I guess I'm tired of playing/smart politics/CYA

If he is in bed with Dobson he is no progressive.

[insane_cratic_gal]

21. More often then not

he votes with the republicans

go look at this record, it's really shitty

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

17. Isn't Nelson of the seven Chamberlain Dems?

Who "saved" the unusable filibuster in the Glorious Victory that rewarded us with a pack of fascist judges?

[Norquist Nemesis]

18. That would be the one!

Not to mention his "yes" votes to confirm them. :grr:

[DemBeans]

19. who knew?

"Sen. Nelson is doing what an elected official should do -- listening to what his constituents want and working to make sure they get it.

When did Dobson move to Nebraska? Or does he consider himself the constituent of every elected official? How grandiose.

[FreedomAngel82]

20. What's the

defense of marriage act?