Burnt Orange Report

Carter Casteel? That's my Representative, now that I'm registerd in Fredericksburg once again. That's one of the most conservative districts in the state in the 70-80% range. I've got to say, I'm actually really proud of some of her votes. She seems to me to be one of those types of republicans who would vote against the constitutional marraige ban because it goes against conservative philosophy and is mean spirited. Maybe it's wishful thinking but I guess some of those types of conservatives do exist still.

Here's Castel's reason for the vote in the house record:

REASON FOR VOTE

The author of the bill, Representative Hupp, asked us to debate and discuss the amendment (a separate bill) outside of this SBi6 because of the large fiscal note of approximately 8.5 million to 7 million per year beginning in 2006.

It was clear from the debate that the cost was astronomical and that the agency would have to consider becoming an investigatory agency into the sexual preference of foster parents.

It was also clear that women who roomed together in college or men also would be suspect. It was clear that single men or women would be suspect.

I believe a lot of work needs to be done on the cost and investigation of sexual preference. I vote for SBi6 with the cost and restriction of investigations.

Casteel

Raymond is considering a run for congress, and many progressives who would be likely support him in a primary might think twice about it after this vote.

I assume that if he runs for congress it will be in the 28 against Cuellar. He won't have a primary challenge if he runs in the 23.

Raymond is considering a run for congress, and many progressives who would be likely support him in a primary might think twice about it after this vote.

I assume that if he runs for congress it will be in the 28 against Cuellar. He won't have a primary challenge if he runs in the 23.

His vote for the amendment might be an attempt to leave his options open to run in the 23.

David Farabee’s district is extremely conservative and he should not be faulted by voting the way an overwhelming number of his constituents feel. Sly Turner, on the other hand, gives great payback to the Houston GLBT community for not endorsing him for Mayor. Personal agendas conflicting with policy, just what Democrats need in a Legislative leader. Rest assured, Sly will continue to be Craddick’s bitch on many issues to come.

"David Farabee’s district is extremely conservative and he should not be faulted by voting the way an overwhelming number of his constituents feel."

I agree with your assessment, Lefty, and can see why he voted this way, although I don't agree with it at all, as this bill is motivated by hate. But Farabee took a huge chance last session by going to Ardmore, and is probably trying to pick his battles very, very carefully. He would have lost this vote anyway--even from here I knew that this bill was going to pass.

The whole bill still sucks and children are going to suffer for it, as well as taxpayers. I'm not surprised Terry Keel voted the way he did, as he has a gay brother. Jim Keffer ought to be thoroughly ashamed of himself.

I don't think David Farabee should be faulted for his vote. This session, Farabee's district is the most Republican district to be represented by a Democrat--it has a 65% Republican statewide-election index. (Before the 2004 election cycle, John Mabry held that honor.)

"I don't think David Farabee should be faulted for his vote. [His] district is the most Republican district to be represented by a Democrat . . ."

Oh, Okay--I see. Our representitves should pass laws based on groupthink and what will get them reelected--not according to conscience or what is good and just???