Old tactic, just happens to be utilized by the Republicans right now (but used by both in the past)
On it's own, its obvious this bill would not have passed (from past straw votes), however, it was a shoe in when presented in its current form.
#1 - attach it to a security/defense bill. The current crowd in Washington (the ones that have is bogged down in Iraq) continually repeat that "the other guys" are weak on terror, weak on security etc. A vote against this bill also means a vote against the security bill.
#2 - hold this vote near election time. Enough time for commercials to be made. So, while a politician may disagree with the gambling provision, they feel they can serve better by being re-elected. In a tight race, how do you respond to a 30 second advertisement that says "If Senator XYZ supports the troops, why did he just vote No on Sept 29?????"
People can spin this all they want. The die hard party liners will justify these republican whores by saying "ohhh, but look how many democrats voted for it"
Consider which party has been trying to ban it for 6 years. Consider which party tabled it - and consider how they did it. Any politician that is up for re-election would be comitting political suicide by not voting for it.
They (the politicians) aren't unique. Many people sell their souls every day to keep their butts in a leather chair.
On it's own, its obvious this bill would not have passed (from past straw votes), however, it was a shoe in when presented in its current form.
#1 - attach it to a security/defense bill. The current crowd in Washington (the ones that have is bogged down in Iraq) continually repeat that "the other guys" are weak on terror, weak on security etc. A vote against this bill also means a vote against the security bill.
#2 - hold this vote near election time. Enough time for commercials to be made. So, while a politician may disagree with the gambling provision, they feel they can serve better by being re-elected. In a tight race, how do you respond to a 30 second advertisement that says "If Senator XYZ supports the troops, why did he just vote No on Sept 29?????"
People can spin this all they want. The die hard party liners will justify these republican whores by saying "ohhh, but look how many democrats voted for it"
Consider which party has been trying to ban it for 6 years. Consider which party tabled it - and consider how they did it. Any politician that is up for re-election would be comitting political suicide by not voting for it.
They (the politicians) aren't unique. Many people sell their souls every day to keep their butts in a leather chair.
