One strategy the Democrats used in the debate was thrusting a stack of amendments on the desk just to bog down the Senate. There were over 48 “gotcha” amendments dealing with everything from the right of religious expression to the right to vote. A “gotcha” amendment addresses an issue that most people would agree with yet would not like to be on record voting against. For example, voting against a freedom of religion amendment would have been necessary to keep the focus of the sovereignty resolution on the 9th and 10th amendments. Taken out of context, “gotcha” votes often are used as political ammunition.
Fortunately, Sen. Larry Martin (R-Pickens, chairman-rules committee) called their bluff and made several points of order challenging the germaneness of these amendments. The Presiding Officer, President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) agreed and sustained Martin’s points of order.
Had Martin and McConnell not used these parlimentary procedures effectively, we would not have passed this resolution.
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