Here's How It's Done

Instead of assiduously keeping its powder dry, the Democrats in the California legislature have moved forward on placing the main issue in America before California voters. From The Sacramento Bee:

After nearly two hours of passionate debate, the California Assembly approved legislation Monday to ask voters whether they support ending the Iraq War and immediately withdrawing troops.

The advisory measure by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata previously passed the Senate, which is expected to concur in amendments Thursday and send the bill to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The governor has not announced whether he will sign Senate Bill 924.

The legislation, designed for the Feb. 5 ballot, would be advisory -- not legally binding.

If placed before voters, however, the measure is likely to be closely watched because it polls voters in the nation's largest state and marks the only statewide referendum on the Iraq War.

Specifically, SB 924 asks whether President Bush should end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and begin the "immediate, complete, safe and orderly withdrawal" of troops.

Monday's Assembly vote was largely along party lines, 43-32, with no Republicans supporting SB 924. Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, D-Hanford, was the only Democrat to oppose it. [Emphasis added]

A nice, clean vote: no Republicans supporting the idea of democracy in action, one Democrat joining the Republicans in that. No concern that the governor will veto the bill or that there aren't enough votes to override any veto.

The 110th Congress could take a lesson from this.