[LS]

There is virtually NO ONE here at FR who doesn't agree that this is a horrid bill, and thoroughly unconstitutional.

But signing it will not hurt Bush in 2004, because MOST PEOPLE do not understand or appreciate the Constitution, and don't see this (any more than they saw some anti-gun laws) as anything "special." For that reason, in 2004, Bush will likely get re-elected overwhelmingly.

BUT WHERE THIS WILL DAMAGE HIM SEVERELY is in the 2002 House/Senate elections, where many Freepers will say of the GOP candidates---no matter WHAT their personal vote on the bill---"to hell with it" and stay home. Given how incredibly close the last election was EVERYWHERE---did you realize that the state legislatures were almost exactly evenly split?---if even 5% of the voters stay home, that gives the Dems back the House and a bigger gain in the Senate.

[Ms. AntiFeminazi]

I think you underestimate Freepers.

[carenot]

if even 5% of the voters stay home, that gives the Dems back the House and a bigger gain in the Senate.

What difference does it make?
I see none.