Tag: veto
Gov. Tomblin Vetoes Bill to Ban Dismemberment Abortion in West Virginia. State Legislature Responds with Powerful Message
Posted on March 15, 2016 in Life by Nathan Cherry
It seems Governor Tomblin can’t get anything done these days.
In recent weeks Gov. Tomblin has vetoed several bills and been promptly overridden by the legislature. One of those bills was SB 10, The West Virginia Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. This bill had broad bi-partisan support from the time it was introduced and seemed like a no-brainer to sign into law.
Gov. Tomblin however, claiming to be pro-life, vetoed the bill. Honestly, I’ve never seen someone that claims to be pro-life do so little to protect the unborn. Tomblin has, however, done plenty to ensure abortion continues in West Virginia. Maybe he should stop claiming to be pro-life and just admit that he supports abortion. After all, actions speak louder than words.
In his veto, Tomblin said:
“I am advised this bill is overbroad and unduly burdens a woman’s fundamental right to privacy.”
Apparently a woman’s “fundamental right to privacy” outweighs an unborn child’s right to not be torn limb from limb. That’s an odd position to take.
Thankfully, though, the West Virginia legislature once again rose to the challenge and overrode Tomblin’s veto quickly. The governor must have known this would happen considering the majority support for this bill. Whether he knew he would be overridden or not, I am thankful the legislature did what was right and made sure unborn babies in West Virginia would not be subject to this terrible torture.
Update: WV Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto – Passes First Abortion Ban in the State!
Posted on March 9, 2015 in Life by Nathan Cherry
Despite being vetoed last year, and then again this year, the West Virginia legislature has successfully overrode Gov. Tomblin’s veto to pass the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This means West Virginia now has it’s first abortion limiting law on the books. West Virginia was previously one of just nine states with not a single abortion limiting law in place. That meant a woman could get an abortion for any reason up to the moment of birth. Considering the fact that a vast majority of West Virginians are pro-life – that was simply not acceptable.
We were all disappointed when our “pro-life” governor vetoed this bill last year; a decision that told us all we need to know about where Tomblin stands on the issue of life. After a second veto this year, no one in West Virginia will ever wonder about Tomblin’s position or whether he will defend life – he won’t.
National Right to Life made the following comment concerning the legislature’s override:
“In a 27-5 vote, the West Virginia state Senate today joined with the state House of Delegates in voting to override Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s veto of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HB 2568), legislation that protects unborn children from abortion at the point that they are able to feel pain. Tomblin’s veto came after the state House of Delegates and the state Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill in February. The legislature’s successful override of Gov. Tomblin’s veto means that the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act will go into effect in 90 days.”
Another article wrote:
Gov. Tomblin Vetoes 20 Week Abortion Bill Again! But Then This Happens…
Posted on March 6, 2015 in Life by Nathan Cherry
Gov. Tomblin – claiming to be pro-life – once again vetoed a bill that would make abortion after 20 weeks illegal. Currently, West Virginia is one of just 9 states that has no abortion limiting laws. In other words, a woman can get an abortion anytime up to the moment of birth for any reason in West Virginia. Ironically, most West Virginians are pro-life. But, we have elected leaders like Gov. Tomblin that claims to be pro-life but then vetoes pro-life bills. But, this story may have a happy ending after all.
A recent article reports that the West Virginia House of Delegates has overwhelmingly voted to override the Governor’s veto:
“The West Virginia state House overwhelmingly overrode a veto issued by West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin of a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy on unborn babies who studies show can feel intense pain. Tomblin, who claims to be pro-life, has twice vetoed the pro-life legislation to protect unborn babies. The House voted 77-16 (7 not voting) to override the veto of HB 2568 and the state Senate is expected to follow suit.”
I applaud our delegates for doing what is right by protecting the most innocent and defenseless West Virginians. It’s a shame that our governor doesn’t have the moral fortitude to do the same, but I hope (and pray) the State Senate will follow the House example and override Tomblin’s veto.
Where does this leave Tomblin? Well, I heartily agree with pro-life leaders that expressed their disappointment with Tomblin’s veto:
VICTORY!? Abortion Bill Overwhelmingly Supported By West Virginia Legislature – Will Governor Veto?
Posted on March 2, 2015 in Life by Nathan Cherry
Once again, West Virginia lawmakers have listened to the voice of West Virginians, and the pulse of Americans nationwide, by overwhelmingly supporting – and passing, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This is a common sense measure intended to protect unborn children capable of feeling pain from being tortured via abortion.
A recent article states:
“By a vote of 29-5, the West Virginia state Senate today gave final approval to HB 2568, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act – a bill that protects unborn children from violent abortions after the point at which they are capable of feeling pain. The state House of Delegates passed the bill 88-12 on February 11, which included the support of two-thirds of the House Democrats.”
Update: West Virginia Legislature Advances Bill to Ban Abortion
Posted on February 9, 2015 in Life by Nathan Cherry
I recently wrote about the intentions of the West Virginia legislature to reintroduce a bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks during this year’s legislative session.
This is important for several reasons. First, West Virginia is one of just nine states that has absolutely no restrictions on abortion; none. A woman can have an abortion the day she is due to deliver her baby and no one would say a word. If that is not shocking check your moral pulse. Somehow, despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of West Virginians are pro-life, our lawmakers have never tried to defend the unborn. This bill would change that.
Another reason this is important is because it protects the most helpless citizens of our state. Those that can’t speak for themselves, can’t fight back, would be protected from an awful death. Most people have never seen an abortion and if they did, they’d look away. It’s nothing short of torture. Pieces are pulled out and oftentimes entire babies are pulled out and left to die. That’s not a practice we want happening in our state.
Last, the body of evidence showing that unborn children can feel pain at 20 weeks is growing exponentially. Only the most callous, science-denying person would dare challenge the notion that unborn children at 20 weeks can feel pain. That makes abortion murder AND torture.
Though the bill was passed last year, our “pro-life” governor vetoed it because he was advised it was “unconstitutional.” I guess the other dozen states that have similar laws on the books and have seen those laws withstand judicial challenge are just better than West Virginia. Or maybe facts are pesky things that just get in the way. Either way, the bill is advancing this year (HB2568) and will no doubt pass the legislature with another bi-partisan majority. The difference this time is that should Go.v Tomblin veto it, there is a very good chance the legislature will have the votes to override the veto and see the bill signed into law. We should be praying for such an end. Then West Virginia would join the other 40-some states that have at least one abortion limiting law on the books.
West Virginia Lawmakers Ready to Override Governor Veto – If Necessary
Posted on February 4, 2015 in Life by Nathan Cherry
West Virginia did something historic last fall when citizens of the state changed the color of the legislature from blue to red. It has been 80 years since Republicans had a majority voice in the state house. But citizens made their displeasure with current leadership clear when many Democratic incumbents were ousted in favor of Republican challengers. The same trend carried to federal races where two long-time Democratic congressional seats were won by Republicans.
After this historic “West Virginia Red Wave” the question on everyone’s mind was “will Republicans take advantage of this opportunity and actually do something?”
It seems the answer to that question is becoming clearer concerning one of the most pressing issues in our state.
West Virginia is one of just 9 states that have absolutely no abortion laws. An unborn child can be aborted up to the moment of birth for any reason in the state of West Virginia despite the fact that most of our residents identify as pro-life. The fact that ur state is primarily pro-life can also be seen in the fact that most of our elected officials are pro-life; even many among the Democratic party. West Virginians value life.
But last year when a bi-partisan majority in the state legislature passed our version of the pain capable unborn child protection act, our “pro-life” governor vetoed it. Gov. Tomblin said simply that he thought it was unconstitutional and therefore vetoed it.
URGENT: West Virginia Legislature Close to Forcing Special Session to Override Veto of Pro Life Bill
Posted on May 27, 2014 in Life by Nathan Cherry
I am pleased to report that news has been circulating that legislators in West Virginia are close to forcing a special session to seek an override to Gov. Tomblin’s veto of the 20 week abortion ban. Pro-lifers throughout the state and across the country were disappointed when Tomblin vetoed the bill for several reasons; least of all is the fact that he consistently claims to be pro-life. But his reasoning, that the bill is unconstitutional, doesn’t hold up considering that other states have passed similar bills that have withstood judicial challenge.
LifeNews.com is reporting: “In a speech Wednesday, House Minority Leader Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) urged members to sign the petition. He said of Tomlin’s threat to veto, ‘I’m sure it’s a message to the remaining Democratic members to not sign the petition.’ However, Tomblin would have no choice if three-fifths of the members of both houses request it in writing. That means 22 in the Senate and 60 delegates. As of Thursday night, Armstead said it was his understanding that ’54 delegates and 23 senators had signed the petition,’ the Charleston Gazette reported.”
Hedgesville High School Student Beats Incumbent in Primary Election
Posted on May 18, 2014 in Life by Nathan Cherry
Maybe there’s hope for West Virginia yet.
In the recent primary election a 17 year old Hedgesville student unseat a sitting state delegate by a fairly surprising margin. LifeNews.com reports:
“With all 13 precincts in her Martinsburg-area district reporting, Blair beat state Del. Larry Kump(R) by an 872-728 vote margin. Blair campaigned on an antiabortion, pro-Second Amendment platform, offering her cellphone number to constituents and pledging not to go negative. She spent about $4,800 on her campaign, state finance records show (Kump, a former lobbyist, only spent $1,800 on his reelection bid).”
What Other States Are Doing That West Virginia is Not
Posted on May 10, 2014 in Life by Nathan Cherry
West Virginia is a great place to live, once you get used to its quirky ways. But one thing that is hard to ever get used to is how behind West Virginia is regarding many social issues and public policies. A good example of that is the 20 week abortion bill that passed our state legislature with an overwhelmingly bi-partisan support only to be vetoed by our governor. Gov. Tomblin’s reason for vetoing the bill? He said he wasn’t sure that it was constitutional.
Well, that’s just a lame excuse used to cover up some political strategy aimed at advancing Tomblin’s career. After all, Tomblin has to first take care of himself rather than the people he serves and the unborn children being killed each and every day. But just in case Tomblin is still living in denial and believing he did the right thing, let’s take a look at what some other states are doing to protect the unborn.
Mississippi governor signs 18-week abortion ban, one of nation’s most restrictive: “Mississippi has passed one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion laws after Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill banning most abortions at 18 weeks’ gestation, or 20 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. House Bill 1400, which will take effect on July 1, allows an abortion if a woman would likely die or face permanent injury as a result of the pregnancy. It also has an exception for when an unborn baby has severe abnormalities, but no rape or incest exceptions. Bryant, who has said he wants to ban all abortions in his state, signed the bill into law on Wednesday despite heavy criticism from Democrats and abortion providers.”
What Evidence Shows Manchin and Tomblin are Really Pro-Life?
Posted on April 15, 2014 in Life by Nathan Cherry
West Virginia politics is one of the strangest animals in the zoo. Or perhaps the whole zoo is strange. The more I dive into the political system in West Virginia the more confused I become as it seemingly makes no sense.
Here’s a good example of what I’m talking about.
A former governor of West Virginia that claims to be pro-life allowed an abortion clinic to operate down the road from his office for years without lifting a finger. He could have brought common sense health and safety regulations to this completely unregulated clinic, he could have even sought to ban abortion. After all, pro-life people generally don’t like any abortions, much less unregulated ones taking place. Yet, as governor, he did nothing.
That former governor is now a senator, where, once again, he claims to be pro-life while he does little to nothing to defend and protect life either is his home state or the nation as a whole. But he recently said that would vote for a federal 20 week abortion ban if it comes up for a vote in the senate.