Speaker Busch = Genius. Same-Sex Marriage Maneuver Blocked.

[nickshepDEM]

From the WaPo BLOG:

The debate over same-sex marriage in Annapolis has turned into a parliamentary chess game.

House Republicans arrived at this morning's session with a petition that they said had the 47 signatures needed to bring a constituation amendment banning same-sex marriage to an eventual vote on the House floor. That would have circumvented a committee likely to vote it down and forced delegates to take a stand on the controversial measure.

House Speaker Mike Busch (D-Anne Arundel), alerted to the petition, allowed the morning prayer and pledge of allegiance. Then Majority Leader Kumar Barve (D-Montgomery) moved to recess the session, the speaker banged his gavel, and the moment had passed.

"They stuffed us!" Republican Whip Tony O'Donnell (Calvert) gasped as the speaker walked off the floor.

If the House Judiciary Committee kills the bill, as expected this afternoon, Republicans will need far more votes to bring it back to the floor.

Del. Don Dwyer (R-Anne Arundel), the bill's sponsor was dismayed with the speaker's latest move.

"Unbelievable," he said. "For him to act as a tyrant. We had the petition. This was an unprecedented maneuver."

House Majority Whip Anthony Brown (D-Prince George's) noted that the committee had spent seven hours hearing testimony on the bill. And he defended Busch. "Tyrants don't play by the rules," he said. "This speaker played by the rules."

[philmo]

1. Oh man, this is so good it hurts.

I could read this story all day.

[LiberalGuy000]

2. excellent

I read that story here:

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/02/020206maryland.htm

...but I like your version of it better. :D

[LiberalEsto]

3. It's so wonderful to see rethug butt getting kicked

Maybe the US House and Senate Democrats should be sent on field trips to Annapolis to observe and take notes.

[DaveinMD]

5. it helps

to have a sizeable majority.

[LiberalEsto]

4. Please post this in GD-Politics, Nick

I think everyone could use a bit of cheering-up!

[LiberalEsto]

6. See Page 1 article on Busch in Feb 7 WashPost!

It's all about Mike Busch and his great leadership skills!

We could use someone like him in the US Senate.

[AX10]

7. good!