The governor is trying to use a fear of violence as a scare tactic. On Monday, Carnahan discussed with legislative leaders the option of calling a special session to draft and pass a compromise version of the bill. Whether there will be such a session is still unclear. Rep. Catherine Enz, R-St. Louis County, said Carnahan wants the legislature to set the bill aside, using delaying tactics to postpone a vote so he can introduce his own version.
Some legislators say that the debate has gone on long enough.
Candy Smith, spokesperson for the Missouri Catholic Conference, called Carnahan's latest maneuvering an act of a desperate man. Nachtigal said the governor wants to sign a constitutional bill that bans partial birth abortion, but he is concerned because the bill does not include U.S. Supreme Court mandated exceptions. Senate GOP Leader Steve Ehlmann, R-St. Charles, who supports an override of the bill, said as far as a special session goes, Carnahan holds a full deck. I applaud Democrats who have resisted and have stood up for principles over party politics.