“The orders came down from above.”

We were voting on the death penalty legislation in committee. One of my Republican colleagues was implying yet again that Democrats were meekly following the Governor’s orders to oppose all amendments.

He said it once too often.

Another member of the committee objected; then I did.

“The advocates and I independently decided that the Senate bill was the best that we could achieve,” I calmly but pointedly stated. “The Governor did not lobby any of us.”

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Earlier Friday, I had another insight into the Republicans’ philosophy.

I sponsored House Bill 482, which would clarify who must be notified if someone’s remains are moved – within a cemetery or to another location.

After we reached agreement on amendments among all of the affected parties – cemetery owners, religious groups, and state regulators, the bill sailed through my committee.

It passed the House, 128-7, but then quite a few Republicans rose to change their vote from green (yes) to red (no).

“Is it a sponsor problem?” I emailed someone.

Dumbfounded, I asked a Republican delegate what was happening.

The bill would establish the priority among family members for arranging a reinternment. At the top of the list: a surviving spouse or domestic partner.

Earlier in the week, the Republicans had offered a floor amendment to move a domestic partner to the bottom of the list. It failed, 33-98.

Twenty one members rose to change their vote to “no” .