Hello George,

Here's some food for thought regarding our newly elected representatives in the GA (as it winds to a close):

In my recent experience in advocating in the General Assembly for issues of importance to victims of sexual assault, I have found Rob Bell to be in some ways more responsive than Creigh Deeds. This is rather problematic to me, as I am not only a lifelong Democrat who voted for Deeds, but I also participated in the Dems' [convention] where he was chosen as the nominee. However, not only was Senator Deeds not as receptive as I would have expected (though he promised to keep an open mind, and did finally vote on the just side on the bill in question -- SB 290) but he has not even responded to my last email -- while I have two handwritten notes from Rob Bell. (On the plus side, Deeds' aide, Tracy Eppard, is extremely friendly and helpful.) I'm sure that this is just an oversight, but it does make him appear to be less responsive to issues that are of importance to women.

On other issues of importance -- the environment, and people who have limited access to resources -- Senator Deeds does seem to be focusing on what's important. I am sorry the bill he introduced that would have removed the sales tax on food items (interesting that such a tax-averse state would insist on taxing the very food out of people's mouths) did not make it through the GA. *But I wonder what he was thinking last week in introducing the Lt. Gov's changes to the "medical infanticide" bill -- which were made in an effort to make the bill constitutional, and therefore to fly. Is he representing his constituents or his political aspirations? At least he voted against the bill, which was voted upon without these changes, on the floor. The bill passed, but since it is unconstitutional, it will ultimately not be a law to which Virginia women will be subject.

For years, Democrats have been in the forefront of making positive changes to laws and policies that affect women, the environment, and the poor and disenfranchised. Lately, it seems that Democrats are feeling some kind of pressure to be more conservative in order to get into office, and those who choose candidates for nomination for the Democratic party seem to be erring on the side of caution and conservatism. In a time when the Virginia General Assembly is skewing more and more to the right, ought we to be political and move to the right as well, or would it not be better to hold fast to our principles and stand our ground? I very much believe that the average American (and the average Virginian), when not manipulated in cynical fashion by an unscrupulous far-right wing, holds values that would be best represented by the Democratic party.

(I suppose this seems rather critical, but I recently had a conversation with someone who pointed out that democrats tend to be more critical of their own, whereas republicans tend to be protective of theirs. I expect this is due to dems' advanced critical thinking skills ;-), but perhaps also due to a greater commitment to "doing the right thing" as opposed to "winning at all costs.")

I also believe that the average American (and the average Virginian) really does care about issues of fairness, of environmental protection, and other important issues -- when they are informed of them. The right wing has been very effective in promulgating their views. Why have we been less so? Is it because we are too busy talking among ourselves, and not getting out and talking to people who might want to hear what we have to say -- and who might have things to say to which we might want to listen?

Thanks!

Valerie L'Herrou (electronic mail, March 10, 2002)

Editor's Note: *In 1998, Creigh Deeds voted for a bill calling for a ban on so called "partial birth abortion." Deeds says that he originally introduced the amendment to HB1154 to be consistent [with his previous vote] but that his fundamental take on this situation was that the Virginia General Assembly should not be voting on a bill which is unconstitutional and which the state will have to defend in a year we are having to lay people off from their jobs (phone call, March 11, 2002)

Deeds subsequently withdrew his amendment. This was replaced by the Reynolds amendment, which was virtually identical to the one he withdrew, and addressed the issues the federal district court raised, and gave folks a constitutional choice. It received little support.

As Valerie notes, Deeds voted against HB1154 in its final form, which will only come into law if Governor Mark Warner signs it.