Texas Senator Risks His Health to Block a Voter-Identification Bill

[cal04]

Against his doctor's advice, a stooped and feeble state Sen. Mario Gallegos Jr. (D) arrives at the Texas Capitol each day, just to make sure his chamber does not take up a bill that would require voters to produce identification at the polls.

And when the rigors of the job start to wear on Gallegos, whose body is trying to reject a liver transplanted four months ago, he retires to a hospital-style bed -- donated by a Republican colleague -- in a room next to the Senate chamber.

From there, he can be summoned at a moment's notice, should his vote be needed to keep the bill from reaching the floor.

Gallegos is putting his health at risk to block a measure he and others say could prevent many minorities and the elderly from taking part in elections in Texas.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/26/AR2007052600997.html

[acmavm]

1. What a sad sad state of our nation when keeping people from being

able to vote is seen by some as a legitimate way to govern.

[dsc]

2. and a thank you to the GOPer who lent him the bed as well

I hope he ends up OK.