Georgia Women Lawmakers Forge A Bond Across Party Lines
It is a time of bitter partisan politics and virtual gridlock between Democrats and Republicans in Washington D.C., but at Georgia’s Capitol, there’s an unlikely friendship between two longtime women lawmakers from opposing parties that has withstood the tests of time and politics.
“A Closer Look’s” Denis O’Hayer interviewed Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford, and Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, on their unusual partnership, and how they were able to forge such a strong relationship that has enabled them to work together on important issues, despite their different political ideologies.
Orrock was elected to the House in 1987. Unterman was elected in 1999.
“We are still working together,” Orrock told O’Hayer in an interview on Monday at the Capitol.
“Women are known collaborators, communicators, and not so interested in getting credit, but getting the job done,” she explained.
Orrock pointed out that she and Unterman have a long history of successful collaborations.
“We’ve always understood that, of course, we’re in different parties, and there’s places where we’re not going to agree, but we have so much in common, in terms of our commitment to health policy and good sound public policy and have worked, I would almost say, on countless issues together over the long-term,” Orrock said.
The pair have collaborated on a variety of healthcare initiatives over the years.
“It’s not just health policy, it’s social issues, too. And those are issues that are really not partisan type issues. They’re easier to cross the party line versus tax issues or finance issues,” said Unterman, the chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee.
As an example, Orrock and Unterman talked about a bill Orrock sponsored this year. SB 109 would set up a form for doctors to sign, acknowledging that they understand a patient’s wishes for care at the end of life.
Orrock said Unterman gave her critical assistance in getting support from groups which normally oppose Orrock’s bills. Unterman credited Orrock for her willingness to include people who are often her opponents on social issues. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous vote, and, at this writing, is headed to the House.
“Nan did a great job on that particular bill, and the reason she did a great job is because she really pulled in the far right and I’m very familiar with the far right because that is my people, that is where I come from and when I talked with her I said ‘Nan you have to meet with Right to Life, you have to meet with the Catholic Archdiocese and you know their main concerns are end of life issues,’ and she did a fabulous job with it. She incorporated all of their concerns into the bill and that’s why she was able to accomplish a 100 percent in the state Senate.”Part 1 of Denis O'Hayer's interview with Sens. Nan Orrock and Renee Unterman on “A Closer Look.”Part 2 of Denis O'Hayer's interview with Sens. Nan Orrock and Renee Unterman on “A Closer Look.”
Denis O’Hayer contributed to this report.
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