CHRISTIAN COALITION OF IOWA
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Norm Pawlewski Lobbyist
February 20 February 24, 2006
Lobbying Senate Democrats started in earnest during this week at the Capitol.
Heres a listing of the senators I was able to see and their response to my
request that Iowans get a chance to voice their preference on the critical
Iowa Marriage Amendment issue. Also, I want you to know that, regardless
of their opinion, every senator but one was courteous, polite and genuinely
interested in what I had to say. All of them appreciate the importance of the
definition of marriage, even though they may not understand the urgency of
moving the amendment process along.
Sen. Daryl Beall District 25 - Calhoun, Greene, Webster
He believes that the court will uphold the definition of marriage in the code,
i.e., one man one woman and, therefore, there is no need for an amendment to the
Constitution. He will lead the charge for an amendment if he is wrong on what
the court will do.
Sen. Dennis Black District 21 Jasper, Polk
He supports the marriage amendment, will vote for HJR-1. The lawsuit by six
homosexual couples convinced him it is time to act.
Sen. Thomas Courtney District 44 Des Moines, Louisa, Muscatine
Does not like the idea of amending the Constitution. Believes the Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA) will be upheld. Will read the New Hampshire study (posted
on our web site
www.iowachristian.com .)
Sen. Bill Dotzler District 11 Black Hawk
Will only support the amendment if the DOMA is declared unconstitutional. Gave
him a copy of the New Hampshire study. He promised to read it.
Sen. Eugene Fraise District 46 Henry, Lee
Will not support the marriage amendment. Made no commitment to read the New
Hampshire study or re-consider his position.
Sen. Michael Gronstal District 50 Pottawattamie
Agreed to read the New Hampshire study and think about the amendment. No
commitments beyond that. He has the power as the majority leader to move the
amendment through the process.
Sen. Wally Horn District 17 Linn
Does not intend to vote for the amendment. Would make no commitment to read the
New Hampshire study. Doubtful he will change his mind.
Sen. Jack Hatch District 33 Polk
Agreed to read the New Hampshire study. At this point he is opposed to the
amendment, believing that current law is sufficient. As a member of the
sub-committee that has HJR-1, he is in a position to move it to the next step.
Sen. Keith Kreiman District 47 Appanoose, Davis, Wapello, Wayne
Agreed to support the amendment. The lawsuit by Lambda Legal changed his mind.
Sen. Matt McCoy District 31 Polk
Supports gay marriage, considers the amendment discriminatory, intolerant and
homophobic. Called me a homophobe. Believes he should have the right to
marry his lover.
You will note that two Democrat senators, Black and Krieman, have agreed to
support the marriage amendment. Please call, write or e-mail them with a
thank you. You may reach any senator by calling 515-281-3371 and asking for
the senator by name. You may also just leave a message if you prefer.
Contact all the other Democrat senators and ask them to support the amendment so
that you may vote on this critical social, cultural issue.
For e-mail addresses and other information about senators, go to our web site,
www.IowaChristian.com .
Another important issue to many Iowans is the death penalty. House File 2286,
sponsored by Representative Jamie VanFossen, passed out of the House Judiciary
Committee on a 12 to 8 vote. This is a very tightly drafted bill, aimed at
certain predators and requiring specific kinds of evidence. You may access a
copy of the bill from our web site. CCI is registered in favor of H.F. 2286. A
companion bill, S.F. 2010, is not expected to be voted on in the Senate.
Plan to attend the Capitol Rally for the Marriage Amendment at noon, March
14th. It will be on the West steps; thats the side facing downtown Des
Moines. We need to show legislators and voters that there is strong support for
marriage, as we know it. Take the time; its important.