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Rep. Cobb-Hunter optimistic about domestic violence bill passing

Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter now appreciates the comments on domestic violence Rep. John Graham Altman made a week ago.

"Quite frankly, I appreciate the member from Charleston having the courage to voice his ignorance to the country," she said Thursday afternoon. "Had he not done that, we wouldn't be on the verge of passing meaningful domestic violence legislation."

The hotly debated domestic violence bill now sits on the House calendar until next Tuesday after members raised more questions. The first bill that Cobb-Hunter co-sponsored died in committee, but Altman's comments to a television reporter sparked protest and debate, and a second version of the bill has rapidly gained support. Cobb-Hunter is optimistic the bill will be passed this year.

"The last thing the speaker said is, 'Gilda, we will pass that bill next week,'" she said. "I am confident that the leadership is behind it, and it will happen next week. It is my understanding that Sen. (Glenn) McConnell has formed a CDV ad hoc committee. They are going to take a look at the bill. A lot of people are behind it, for whatever reason. It doesn't matter to me what that reason is."

Cobb-Hunter decided not to be a sponsor of the new bill, though she supports it. The new bill is basically the same, she said, only a bit tougher.

"I took my name off the bill because I had resisted all efforts last week to prevent this from becoming a partisan issue," she said. "When I got to Columbia on Tuesday, it was clear to me that the issue had become more about Republican damage control, and I couldn't be a part of that. I have always been committed to getting something done. I've spent almost 30 years doing this and don't need my name on a bill to give me validity. There are others who did."

Despite the roller-coaster ride the bill has endured, Cobb-Hunter said getting domestic violence legislation passed is the important thing.

"I am so elated at the prospect of us passing legislation which will strengthen our domestic violence laws," she said. "I am so pleased with the way this is turning out."