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That is precisely why pro-lifers tend to be so cynical about it. Republicans in Congress were all in favor of a late-term abortion ban when they knew Clinton would veto it, but their "courage" disappeared once the party was in a position to ensure that anything they passed would be signed into law.

Bush wanted to get his tax cut through first. I think the partial birth abortion bans came at the end of the Congressional terms.

Jumping Jim Jeffords put the kibosh on that. Also there is the 60 vote cloture vote in the Senate. With the loss of Abraham, Ashcroft, Gorton, and others in 2000, getting to the 60 vote cloture is much tougher.

You can be cynical if you want, but I will look at the machinations of the Senate.

"politics is corrupt and, therefore, they shouldn't participate"

True in Illinois. Even now Bush staffers dont see what a bad choice Gov. George Lyan was to head Bush in IL. If they made the same type of mistake in other states, it's obvious why Bush did so poorly among people who value honesty.

The Illinois establishment has not yet learned this lesson.

But it is not all the establishment's fault. In the 11 working class suburban precincts I have worked since 98, I see people with NRA and Pro-Life bumper stickers, worn Bibles, Christian radio or Fox news turned on; But not registered, or no vote in 8 elections. In a Pro-Life newsletter only 12 of 22 named activists are registered to vote. The establishment knows this.

In contrast, eco-freak feminist NPR voters are fewer, but always vote.

We don't accept it when a murderer blames someone else. So we should accept that it is our own fault when we lose and not blame others. We get the government we deserve.

Who is with me to work a precinct door to door and take the establishment by surprise?