A Thursday hearing on Idaho’s mandatory ultrasound bill was canceled due to lawmakers’ concerns that constituents’ opposition to the bill could hurt their reelection chances, reports the Idaho Statesman.
“Basically, I’m listening to constituents, and they aren’t just Democrats,” [Rep. Lynn] Luker said. “They’re Republicans, they’re from across the spectrum. That was No. 1.”
Ten House Republicans who spoke to the Statesman said the bill can yet be saved, with some saying it might have to be amended. They worry about the bill overreaching and threatening their re-election.
The Statesman noted that Gov. Butch Otter has also heard from hundreds of constituents posting on his Facebook wall, a phenomenon happening in many states.
Lawmakers said the bill could be resurrected or even amended, but a new hearing has not yet been scheduled.
