FMA Vote Threatens Daschle's 100% Pro-Gay Rating

By Jeff Gannon
Talon News
July 7, 2004

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) faces a difficult vote in the Senate when Republicans bring the Federal Marriage Amendment to the floor in the next two weeks. Sponsors of the bill say the constitutional amendment to preserve traditional marriage as the union of one man and one woman is necessary to counter activist judges who have allowed homosexual unions in Massachusetts.

Passage of the FMA is uncertain in the Senate, since it will require 67 votes. Daschle will have to decide whether to allow a floor vote or prevent it with a filibuster. The choice is fraught with peril since the South Dakota senator realizes whatever he does will impact either his chances of reelection or his position as Minority Leader.

Daschle received a 100% rating from the nation's leading gay rights group, the Human Rights Campaign, in recognition of his efforts during the 2001-2002 Senate session. Despite his 1996 vote in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, Daschle has championed causes supported by the homosexual lobby in his role as Democratic leader.

Cheryl Jacques, HRC president said, "The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and our allies will hold senators who vote for the FMA accountable with our votes in November."

The group is coming to the aid of its advocate, launching a multi-million dollar ad campaign to support candidates targeted by proponents of FMA. It mentions Daschle as a "high priority target" considering his vulnerability in a close race with Republican John Thune. But Jacques' statement also contained a threat should Daschle vote against the pro-gay agenda.

HRC's board of directors amended its political action committee criteria in October 2003 to support only those candidates who would vote to protect the U.S. Constitution from amendments that would discriminate against GLBT individuals or couples.

Gay marriage has sparked some controversy within the Daschle campaign itself. It was reported that campaign manager Steve Hildebrand was so angry at Rep. Stephanie Herseth's (D-SD) position in support of the FMA that he asked that his contribution to her campaign be returned.

But the senator's staff is downplaying the importance of the issue.

In an article in Tuesday's The Hill, Daschle campaign spokesman Dan Pfeiffer was quoted as saying, "We've heard from almost no one."

It was reported that Daschle spokeswoman Sarah Feinberg indicated the Washington office had not fielded calls about the FMA.

Neither office is communicating with the press on the issue as Talon News calls for comment from both Pfeiffer and Feinberg went unanswered on Tuesday.

Amendments to the Constitution require approval by two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.