Sen. Dean Johnson's promise for a marriage vote in committee creates the perception that District 13 voters have a chance to vote on the marriage amendment this fall. Don't be fooled. A past history of votes in the Johnson-controlled committee shows that his promise is actually a guarantee to kill the bill and block it from reaching the Senate floor for a vote.
In 2004, the bill was "debated" and killed in committee by the Democratic majority. A few Democratic senators prevented the amendment from coming before the full state Senate for open debate and vote by every state senator. I believe Johnson is fully aware that this calculated maneuver provides cover for himself and fellow DFL senators, enabling him to maintain the perception that he supports traditional marriage while blocking the amendment from reaching the voters of District 13.
If Majority Leader Johnson really wants to promise us something, let him promise that the marriage amendment will come before the full Senate floor so that every senator, including himself, will be given a chance to vote on it. Or better yet, let him promise as majority leader that the marriage amendment will pass the Senate so that every one of us can vote on it.
Leonard Matthys
Willmar
