The big tent just got a lot smaller. 

            Ronald Reagan spoke of the Republican Party’s big tent, which allowed for members of differing views.  More recently, that tent has been contrasted with political correctness on the left.

             Last week, the Republican leader in the State Senate, Alan Kittleman, announced that he would be introducing a bill to allow civil unions for same-sex couples.

             Today, the senator announced that he would be resigning his position.  The Republican caucus would “feel more comfortable” with a different leader, he said on the Senate floor.

            Truth be told, the GOP tent was never big.  On abortion and gay rights, the Democratic Party has greater diversity. 

            Every Republican member of the House of Representatives, but one, voted for the pro-life Stupak amendment to President Obama’s health care bill.  Among the Democrats, 64 voted yes and 194 voted no. 

            Two years ago, I had a bill outlining the procedure for moving human remains from a burial site.  The domestic partner of the decedent was one of the individuals who could authorize the disinterment.

            The only Senate  Republican to vote for it was Alan Kittleman.