While some Democrats stand differ publicly on the death penalty or gun rights, Republicans have generally been more harmonious over the past four years, partly because they are fewer in number and have a near-universal affinity for smaller government.
But this session has seen a dramatic break in GOP ranks. State Sen. Allan Kittleman of Howard County stepped down from his party leadership position last month because of his support for civil unions, regardless of sexuality. The former...
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Must be hard... - 2011-02-04 11:14:36
...As he states its against his religious beliefs. I think he is eaither responding to his voters, or has been bitten by the liberterian bug. My beliefs aside, I think its a good thing he is doing what the people who voted him in want.
Sort of like when you hire a landscaper to put in a fountain, and then he turns around and tells you that your idea is stupid and installs a waterfall instead. You probably wouldnt hire that landscaper again, even though people in another county like your new waterfall, it wasnt what you ordered.
Subject matter aside, i think its a good trend that politicians are realizing that they work for US for once. Or at least one of them has.
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William H - annapolis, md - Karma: Excellent
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Stand Out - 2011-02-04 09:48:11
I agree with everyone else... It's excellent to see Sen. Kittleman stand up for what he believes is right and represent what his constituents think is right. While I wish he had not stepped down from the leadership of the caucus, I think it's good to see him stand out.
This is especially true as one shouldn't have to adhere to some specific set of idealogies to be a Republican or Democrat, and should be able to have some variance on certain issues. Being a Republic shouldn't automatically mean being conservative on any particular social issue.
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Mal Content - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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It would be nice - 2011-02-03 21:55:43
....if all elected officials were like Kittleman and voted regardless of party. I guess that's wishful thinking though. (hey Nicole)
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chris fox - annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad
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integrity - 2011-02-03 21:24:29
Thank you for standing up. You'll have an even brighter future.
I hope others who hold office are taking notice of the this, as Paul mentioned, 'real politican'.
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Tyler Johnson - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral
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A Real Politician - 2011-02-03 15:08:54
I applaud Senator Kittleman for being a true politician- one who understands the separation of church and state, and one who has the best interests of the citizens he represents at heart. Hopefully, more GOP Senators will break away from party lines, and create a truly bipartisan effort for Equality in the Equality State :)
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Paul Miller - Brooklyn Park, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Take away quote - 2011-02-03 15:08:23
"While my faith may teach that marriage is between a man and a woman, our government is not a theocracy," Kittleman said.
It is a shame more people don't realized that there is a difference between public policy and their own personal religious beliefs.
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Robb Tufts - Churchton, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Kittelman - 2011-02-03 15:03:09
Like.
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Nicole Hughes - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good
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Courage - 2011-02-03 13:23:33
A Republican brave enough to step away from his crowd of lemmings, is a wondrous thing to behold.
Bravo, Allan Kittleman.
Most Americans, at their core, are a tolerant and positive people. It is a pleasure to have you among us!
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biff tradwell - edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent
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