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Webb and Kyl Announce
Their Retirements from the Senate
Part Three of Four By Karen Cross, NRL Political Director Thanks to two high-profile retirements in two days, the 2012 U.S. Senate races are the focus of national attention. On Wednesday, pro-abortion freshman Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) announced his retirement. Earlier today, pro-life Senator Jon Kyl (R-Az.) announced his.
Most political pundits consider Webb's decision not to run a huge liability for Democrats. It will likely be a toss-up race. In 2008 Virginia narrowly voted for Obama for president, but in 2009 Commonwealth voters handily elected pro-life Republican Bob McDonnell as their Governor. This possible pro-life gain in Virginia is important when you look at the big picture. So far, there have been five announced retirements for the 2012 U.S. Senate elections. In addition to Webb and Kyl, Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND), Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) are retiring at the end of this term. Senators Conrad, Lieberman and Webb have pro-abortion voting records. Senator Kyl has a pro-life voting record while Sen. Hutchison's record is mixed. (Go to NRLC's legislative action center to see their voting records at: http://www.capwiz.com/nrlc/home/) In the current 112th Congress, there are 51 Democrats, 47 Republicans, and two Independents. Of the thirty-three U.S. Senate races up for re-election in 2012, twenty-one are currently held by Democrats, ten are held by Republicans, and two are Independents who caucus with the Democrats. In order to "flip" the Senate, Republicans need to gain four seats. From the Democrats' perspective, Senator Conrad's open seat is already considered (at best)a toss-up. Several other Democrat seats appear to be weak, depending on who runs against the incumbents. That along with Webb's open seat appears to offer a number of possible pro-life gains. This is important, as the balance of power determines who controls the agenda. It often determines whether we win or lose our legislative efforts and are able to send legislation to the President. For example, on January 19, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, a bill to repeal the pro-abortion, pro-rationing Obama health care law, by a vote of 245-189. (Go to NRLC's legislative action center to see how House members voted: www.capwiz.com/nrlc/scorecard.xc?chamber=H&state=US&session=112&x=10&y=12). The House has a pro-life majority and its leadership is strongly pro-life. Unfortunately, on February 2, we lost the effort to repeal the Obama health care law (Roll Call No. 9) in the Senate by a vote along party lines, 51-47, with two not voting. To see how Senators voted go to www.capwiz.com/nrlc/scorecard.xc?chamber=S&session=112&votesdesc=true The Senate has a pro-abortion majority and its leadership is strongly pro-abortion. Remember, elections have consequences. In order to pass our pro-life legislative agenda (or to stop the pro-abortion one), we must have a majority of pro-lifers in Congress. When we don't, babies die. Please send your comments to daveandrusko@gmail.com. If you like, join those who are following me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/daveha. |
