STATE SENATOR PUT IN A BIND: VOTE FOR DAD OR CONSCIENCE
It shouldn't be a difficult vote for the Democratic state lawmaker from Youngstown. The bill would rename a stretch of highway in northeastern Ohio to honor his deceased father, a former legislator. Still, Sen. Robert F. Hagan yesterday said he'll vote against it. And, he has his mother's approval. "I've had a discussion with my mother and with some members of my family, and they said to do what I need to do. They said my dad would have told me to vote against it,'' Hagan said. Senate Bill 156, sponsored by Sen. James Jordan, R-Urbana, started out harmlessly enough. It renamed several highways to honor various folks -- including Hagan's father, Robert E. Hagan, who served in the Ohio House from 1981-88. He died in 1999 at age 77. The problem is that with the two-year legislative session coming to a close, majority Republicans in the House inserted other provisions, including one backed by anti-abortion advocates to create license plates saying "Choose Life.'' Hagan supports abortion rights. "The fact is that we're trying to name the highway for a father of 14 who chose life his entire life,'' Hagan said. "It's totally political and borders on the absurd.'' Motorists choosing the plates would make a $20 donation and pay a $10 processing fee in addition to the regular registration charge, which varies by county. Proceeds from the sale of "Choose Life'' plates would be used to fund nonprofit agencies -- some faith-based -- that promote adoption. Any agency associated with abortion activities, including counseling, referrals or advertising, could not get the money. Supporters of abortion rights say the license plates will raise money for anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers and not for facilities that provide unbiased counseling or referrals for abortion services, a legal procedure. They also note that similar statutes in Louisiana and South Carolina have been found unconstitutional. Jordan said he supports the House amendment -- although it was never his intent to put Hagan in a jam. Still, with the legislative session over at the end of the month, the provision needed a home. "It's two kids with smiles on their faces and says 'Choose Life.' What's political about that?'' Jordan asked. Hagan's not smiling. But he's hoping there is enough concern among majority Republicans about the proposal that it might get removed before the bill clears the House and returns to the Senate for concurrence. ccandisky@dispatch.com
To view this article by Catherine Candisky in the Columbus Dispatch click here.
| 
