The Iowa House is preparing to duck a debate on legislation extending civil rights protections to gays and lesbians. I could be wrong, but with just a week or so left in the scheduled 2007 session, the issue is showing very few signs of life. House Democrats say they don't have enough majority votes to pass the bill. A few Republicans support it, but they're not ready or willing to contribute yes votes to help Democrats, who reportedly have been mean to the GOP all session long. Evidently the desire for civil rights expansion is weaker than the desire to make Democrats look inept. ... Republicans have mastered the art of ginning up conservatives' during even-numbered years without actually delivering much of their agenda. Democrats are learning fast. ... some liberals are wondering why it was they worked so hard for a Democratic trifecta. They may not work so hard next time. Just ask the GOP pros about 2006.

Labels: state House