"Could Texas Turn Blue? Democrats and Republicans Both See Lone Star Opportunity" PBS Newshour 7/9/2013
Excerpt
GWEN IFILL (Newshour): When it comes to red states, it doesn't get much redder than Texas. Republicans have won 100 statewide elections in a row. But, lately, Democrats have been saying they can turn Texas blue. Whether that's possible may hinge on a renewed debate this week over that hottest of hot buttons, abortion.
The eyes of the political world have turned once again to the Texas state capitol in Austin, as the House began debate over strict new abortion restrictions. The bill, which would require clinics to upgrade to surgical-level centers and force many existing facilities to close, was previously derailed after a dramatic filibuster. Fort Worth Democrat Wendy Davis spoke for nearly 11 hours before the bill died in a midnight procedural dispute.
But after Gov. Rick Perry called the legislature back into a second special session this week, activists for and against the legislation descended on the capitol again. Hundreds lined the halls, opponents in orange, supporters in blue.
SUMMER JOHNSON, Texas: So, I'm just standing here not against women or their rights, but just as a woman who has experienced it, saying, no, we need better care for our women.
ROBBIE AUSLEY, Texas: I believe in reducing the need for abortions, but then protecting the choice. And I think it should be the woman's decision, not the government.
GWEN IFILL: Perry, the state's longest-serving governor, added another layer of drama to Lone Star State politics yesterday by announcing he wouldn't seek a fourth term.
No comments:
Post a Comment