The Republican majorities in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Senate have me confused.

The party of "less government" is introducing legislation intended to interfere with the personal decisions and private lives of some of our citizens. The party that is often associated with law and order is proposing gun laws that many law enforcement officials oppose. The party that seems to be all about governing through constitutional amendments is criticizing amendments approved by voters in previous elections. What's up with this Republican majority in Saint Paul? We knew when Republicans won control of both the House and the Senate in Minnesota that abortion would be back on the agenda. In the latest step towards what some Republicans would like to see, an eventual outlawing of abortion, legislation is being considered that would ban abortion after 20 weeks and prohibit public funds from being used for abortion services. A party that generally advocates less government intrusion into people's lives continues to try to legislate a medical procedure that is best left to the woman to decide. Not content with self-defense laws that allow any of us to protect ourselves when we believe we are in danger, the Republican majority wants to expand the right to shoot intruders in tents, boats or motor homes. Representatives from many law enforcement groups oppose this proposed legislation saying that it isn't needed and it will make their jobs more difficult. Shouldn't elected officials who claim to care about law and order listen to those who are entrusted to ensure our safety – the police officers and sheriffs – who are against this legislation? Some Republican lawmakers have been up in arms over author, Neil Gaiman, receiving $45,000 through funds from the Legacy Amendment for a speaking engagement. Perhaps this wasn't the best use of public funds allocated through the constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2008, but that's what comes with governing through constitutional amendments. There may be unintended consequences that we will come to regret. Maybe Republicans should keep that in mind as they move forward with taking a constitutional amendment that would further ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota to the voters in 2012. During campaigns, politicians play to their base. When they win, they represent their entire constituencies – those who voted for them, those who voted against them and those who didn't vote at all. Too many Republican legislators in Saint Paul seem to only be representing the most extreme voice of their party. This can lead, as we are seeing in this legislative session, to short sighted legislation. It can also lead to short political careers.