DeLay puts hot issues on floor of U.S. House

[Judi Lynn]

Sept. 28, 2004, 11:30PM

DeLay puts hot issues on floor of U.S. House
The move seems designed to get Democrats in tight races on the record before the election
By GEBE MARTINEZ
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has called for votes this week on gun control and same-sex marriage measures, a move that appears to be designed to force Democrats in tight congressional races to record positions that could work against them in November.
The House is expected to vote today on whether to overturn a 28-year ban on handguns in the District of Columbia. Thursday, lawmakers will consider a proposed constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between "a man and a woman." It is part of a Republican effort to bar federal and state judges from giving people the right to marry someone of the same sex.

Neither proposal appears to have a viable chance of becoming law. But DeLay wants Democrats in key races to cast votes that could turn out more conservatives, including evangelicals and gun rights advocates, to vote against them in November.

"Some people who are very good at the old Texas two-step can dance around it, but it's important to put people on the record," said DeLay, R-Sugar Land.

Opponents say the votes will have little impact because Democrats will vote as their districts wish. Tuesday, Rep. Robert T. Matsui, D-Calif., who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, noted the "arrogance" and "boldness" of DeLay's political move.
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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/2820299
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[nadinbrzezinski]

1. ah yes and to remove the debate from the news

we know you Tom, we know you... damn bugman

[whirlygigspin]

2. here's a thought,

let it pass...then let Delay explain to America why he wanted handguns back on the street.

[izzie]

3. Well it has to be a smart move. I bet Dem. did it when they were in power

If GOP does it you can be sure the Dem did it first and in not such a mean way. GOP has just seemed to take how they do things to a more mean way. I am sorry to say that power always does this.My guess is the GOP will not hold the House as many years as the Dem. did as they are meaner.