Updated to include information on Anastasia Pittman at 6:01 p.m.
I found out that my state senator, Andrew Rice and my state representative Anastasia Pittman voted FOR the horrible anti-immigrant law (HB 1804). I’ve contacted their offices asking for an explanation and will let folks know what I find out, but in the meantime I would encourage all of their fellow constituents to contact Andrew Rice(here’s a link to his contact info) and Anastasia Pittman (here’s a link to her contact info) and ask why they voted for this horrible legislation.
For more info on this, here are some links:
Justpeace.org: A Dark day for Oklahoma – by Bob Waldrop
OKSenate.com: rollcall vote on HB 1804 (PDF download)
OKHouse.gov: rollcall vote on HB 1804 (PDF download)
Okiefunk.com: Run, Andrew, Run – a blog post that calls for the democrats to draft Rice to run for the US Senate against Inhofe (which I previously would have supported before this horrible vote)
http://newsok.com/article/keyword/3041667/
NewsOK.com: Debate remains hot on both sides — Senate passes illegal-immigration measure
I have received thoughtful responses from both Rice and Pittman. Rice says he voted for it as part of a compromise (the key being certain provisions that watered down some of the more punitive parts of the law) and Pittman says she has learned more about the bill and is now opposed to it.
While I don’t agree with these folks, I am glad they were willing to talk to me about this legislation. I will definitely continue to keep everyone posted.
Re: Pittman. The time to learn about the bill is BEFORE one votes on it. But glad she’s willing to admit the mistake.
I don’t think I agree with Andrew’s compromise position, but I can understand the argument for it — if it’s clear that the thing’s gonna pass overwhelmingly, as in this case (a no vote and principled public dissent would have been more effective, imho). Regardless, it would have behooved him to put out a statement about his thinking and strategy on the thing. And I don’t think it’s too late to do so, especially since his name is being thrown around as a strong “progressive” alternative to Inhofe for US Senate. If he’s seriously thinking about such a run, he’d better start getting more prepared to explain his values and votes.
This law is unconstitutional anyway, and will cost Oklahoma a lot in the long run.
Rice also posted an explanation on the DemoOkie forums:
http://demookie.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=32567