Life Issues Family Ethics Political Action Committee of Southwest Washington Lifepac Home

Don Carlson (R) Information

Low Pro Life/ Family Positions

***************************

Returned Survey

The story behind the Parental Notification bill's failure

February 16, 2004 - Human Life of Washington. As you can see below, we had only 2 Republicans and 1 Democrat willing to support a very rational Parental Notification bill -- SB 6223.  Despite the fact that
research shows 70% of voters in Washington support such a commonsense proposal.  Constituent support for this legislation cuts across the political spectrum,
including the suburban districts surrounding Puget Sound.  A majority of Democrats and an even higher majority of independents (the all-important swing voters) and
Republicans support parental notification legislation.  Indeed, this legislation is even supported by a majority of those who view themselves as "pro-choice."  Yet,
we are one of the few states that do not have some sort of parental involvement legislation for minors seeking an abortion.

Given these facts, this could have been a winning issue.  It should have been embraced as a rational parental rights bill, as well as, a health and safety issue for young
girls.  It was not.

A number of pro-family, pro-life groups worked very diligently on behalf of this legislation.  We are all more than disappointed ? we are resolved to insure that
pro-family, pro-life resources go directly to those who will support popular pro-life legislation when it is presented.

Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections Committee.
Members: Supporting or refusing to support parental notification.

*    Senator Val Stevens (R-39), Chair ? SUPPORTED
*    Senator Linda Evans Parlette (R-12) Vice-Chair ? REFUSED TO SUPPORT
*    Senator James Hargrove (D-24), Ranking Member ? SUPPORTED
*    Senator Don Carlson (R-49) REFUSED TO SUPPORT
*    Senator Alex Deccio (R-14) - SUPPORTED
*    Senator Rosemary McAuliffe (D-1) ? REFUSED TO SUPPORT
*    Senator Debbie Regala (D-27) ? REFUSED TO SUPPORT

As I said last week in a special message in the last E-Newsbriefs, we should give to candidates, not just to parties:

...if we provide resources, financial and otherwise to a state political party, those resources are controlled by state party officials and
used across the board to support and elect officials, some of whom actually work against our hard-fought efforts!  Unfortunately, sometimes they are
even denied to candidates who take a pro-life position.  We can do better,  but only if we use our resources wisely.

If we are to really effect a change in this state's legislative agenda, we  must direct our resources only to pro-life candidates.  So if you receive a
call from any state party asking for your resources, take the time to tell them why this year your resources will be going directly to pro-life
candidates.  Now is the time to have your voice finally heard!

 

If this information has helped you with your vote, please Donate now to help LifePac with its candidate research work.