Do the Dems even have to show up for the Anti-Gay Marriage vote?

[LostInAnomie]

Does an amendment require 2/3 approval from the total number of the Senate or just 2/3 of the Senate that shows up?

[TayTay]

1. 2/3rds of those 'duly elected and sworn'

so if the Dems don't show up, it fails.

But really, who wouldn't want to show up and watch Tom Coburn foam at the mouth about lesbians in the bathrooms of the public schools. Hell, I might even get the video.

[Merlot]

2. Being a "no-show" is wimpy

they should go, and have their vote on record!

[lindisfarne]

3. To a point, I agree with you - but when the same issue comes up time

and time again, I say the Dems indicate (by their absence) the level of importance they hold for a gay marriage vote. Essentially, by their absence they would be saying "This is absurd; all Americans should have equivalent rights to marry."

[BR_Parkway]

4. They have the chance to say that out loud - and screw any of them that

won't - some of us are tired of being told to wait, the time isn't right yet, blah, blah, blah - then turn around and ask for donations and to volunteer.

At their pace of waiting for the wind to change so they can rush out in front and be "leaders" - slavery would still be legal in this country.

[lindisfarne]

5. I'd be more inclined to agree with you if the vote was being held in

late November - after the mid-term elections. The only reason the Repubs are bringing this up now is to try to get their religious conservative base to support them (this base is getting fed up with the repubs too - albeit for different reasons) and motivate them to vote.

[blondeatlast]

9. I can see the mailers now--"We're fighting for the sanctity of marriage--

Send money! Send money! Send money!"

Timing is everything to these clowns--and the zealot wing of their base falls for it every time.

KKKarl knows there's a sucker born every five minutes to the zealot wing.

[blondeatlast]

8. That's my thinking too. I wish they'd balk this time. nt

[ABaker]

12. I agree

They should be there and stand up to the republicans.

[Bluesplayer]

6. I propose that during the gay marriage debate

that the Dems should meet in the old Senate chamber and discuss Iraq, health care, voters' rights, and other serious issues, in order to draw a clear comparison between pandering and leadership.

[blondeatlast]

11. Another excellent idea--and pay some non MS media to be there,

too.

[sutz12]

7. They should show up, and vote against.

And put that fact at the top of their campaign ads.

I voted against bigotry in America, and I'm proud of it!

[Mass]

10. They should use the debate time to talk about all that is not debated

upon: Iraq, healthcare, jobs, global warming, ...

They should get every single Democrat on the floor, speaking only a few minutes each, as an organized protest.