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News & ArtsTuesday, May 26, 2009
Homo Ed Murray: Rallies Are Fine, Organizing Is Better
Posted by Dan Savage on Tue, May 26, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Asked to speak at the Prop 8 rally today in Westlake Center, State Senator Ed Murray (D-34) found himself feeling slightly ambivalent. Here we are planing a rally in Seattle about marriage equality in California when, according to Murray, "so few people are willing to get off their butts to do something about marriage equality here, in the state where they themselves live."
It's possible that Murray himself is partly to blame. Under Murray's leadership we've made tremendous strides in the Washington state legislature over the last four years: a long-stalled gay rights bill finally passed in 2006 and three domestic partnership bills passed in three years ('07, '08, '09). The three DP bills were Murray's incremental "everything but marriage" strategy; conceived after the Washington state Supreme Court's baldly bigoted decision against marriage equality, Murray's plan was to win the rights of marriage in three small chunks and, once that was accomplished and the sky didn't fall, move on to arguing for full marriage equality. There's a sense that real progress is being made here, that we're gaining ground, not losing ground, so who needs rallies and protests?
"I appreciate the compliment," says Murray, "but even if it's true depending on the legislature alone," or a handful of openly-gay legislators, "has its limits. Without significant political organizing at grass roots level, we're not going to get to marriage equality through in the legislature or survive a ballot challenge if we do manage get marriage equality out of the legislature."
Murray is going to the rally, and he's going to speak, but he hopes that the people who attend will get involved locally.
"The real challenge is after the rally," says Murray. "After the rally are they willing to adopt a legislative reelection campaign in a swing district and work for a candidate who supports marriage equality? Most of the swing districts are within driving distance of Seattle—they are in East King County, Pierce and Snohomish counties. They are not in eastern Washington. And it's in these swing districts that marriage equality in Washington state will be decided. Our ability to elect marriage equality supporters in those swing districts is crucial."
But Democrats have enjoyed super-majorities in both houses of the legislature for more than four years—what else do we need?
"It's not enough," says Murray. "Most of those legislators, at least in the state senate, have never once been asked to support marriage by a constituent. There's this false notion that lots of Democrats mean lots of supporters of marriage equality and that's simply not true. Not yet. We have a lot of work to do."
1
Get off our complacent lazy butts;
get organized;
go door to door;
donate...
what does he think we are- Mormons?
get organized;
go door to door;
donate...
what does he think we are- Mormons?
2
Dude, if a Cali group can hold a protest on like Saturday, I will SO be there. With a Bert and Ernie shirt.
4
Well, Murray, you really didn't say shit here, now did you? Less "we have a lot of work to do" and more "what you need to actually do right now," please.
I have to adopt a legislative reelection campaign in a swing district and work for a candidate who supports marriage equality? Yeah okay. Just a second while I do that. Whole thing.
I have to adopt a legislative reelection campaign in a swing district and work for a candidate who supports marriage equality? Yeah okay. Just a second while I do that. Whole thing.
7
I am a supporter of marriage equality. I vote. I give. I talk to my friends (many who are on the fence or opposed to gay marriage). It gets really frustrating when the likes of Murray and others seem to pitch the same line that we'd be farther along if supporters of marriage equality did something. WTF, Ed? I don't work for the government and I have no idea what "adopt a legislative reelection campaign in a swing district and work for a candidate who supports marriage equality" even means. So, if he'd like to descend off his high horse and tell us more practical ways we can be involved I'd be happy to hear it. Until then I'll keep doing what I am and when it comes time for re-election hopefully vote for someone that has something practical to offer to lay people who work, go to school and all the other above.
8
Ed Murray is a peach, and he's right.
Some of you commenters are really angry, and perhaps righteously so, but focus.
We've got shit to do in WA State. It's sad that both of our large Marriage-Equality demonstrations have revolved around Prop 8, and no ones either celebrating all the other states that have recently legalized same-sex marriage, or getting together to support WA's Domestic Partnership Legislation, would could POTENTIALLY BE VETOED.
There's reason to be angry, but sitting around yelling on the Internet accomplishes very little. And I'm prone to do it too.
I'll be at the rally today, but I think we need to start doing more outside Seattle. As Murray said.
Some of you commenters are really angry, and perhaps righteously so, but focus.
We've got shit to do in WA State. It's sad that both of our large Marriage-Equality demonstrations have revolved around Prop 8, and no ones either celebrating all the other states that have recently legalized same-sex marriage, or getting together to support WA's Domestic Partnership Legislation, would could POTENTIALLY BE VETOED.
There's reason to be angry, but sitting around yelling on the Internet accomplishes very little. And I'm prone to do it too.
I'll be at the rally today, but I think we need to start doing more outside Seattle. As Murray said.
9
Yeah! We have a lot of work to do! Guize, work. Work to do. We have a lot of work to do. After the rally. Rally! Fun. Work. Lots of work to do. Where are you going to start your work, #6? #8?
10
I'm almost done with my work. I'm working on a work book detailing all of the work that has to be done. It's totally blank, because I'm completely uneducated here, but I know I have a lot of work to do and by gosh I'm going to do it. Here's what I have so far:
- adopt a legislative reelection campaign in a swing district and work for a candidate who supports marriage equality
- look at facebook groups, possibly make one (action!)
- draw pictures of murray eating shit
- adopt a legislative reelection campaign in a swing district and work for a candidate who supports marriage equality
- look at facebook groups, possibly make one (action!)
- draw pictures of murray eating shit
12
Ed will speak and inspire a lot of respectful yawn-stifling. Now, if Razhket Dirzhud-Rashid would get up and say a couple poems, wow, what an uproar.
13
For those people that don't understand what Murray is saying, HERE IS WHAT ED MEANS: Seattle Gay folk need to rally in YAKIMA, SPOKANE, VANCOUVER, WALLA WALLA, MOUNT VERNON, small town Washington.
It's not enough for Gay Seattle to talk with Gay Seattle.
Do you understand now? See the WORK, time and money that would involve?. I know you don't have the time and that is why Ed is saying few people GET OFF THEIR BUTT and do the work. It's not as complex as you would like to make it.
It's not enough for Gay Seattle to talk with Gay Seattle.
Do you understand now? See the WORK, time and money that would involve?. I know you don't have the time and that is why Ed is saying few people GET OFF THEIR BUTT and do the work. It's not as complex as you would like to make it.
15
@13: No. He's talking about swing districts. Gay Seattle should bring it to Bellevue and other places in which Darcy Burner lost.
16
You still don't get it. It's not about Seattle nor it's burbs. It's about the STATE! "so few people are willing to get off their butts to do something about marriage equality here, in the state where they themselves live." IN THE STATE. I think that's what he said if I read the quote correctly, feel free to correct me.
So, from my understanding of what Murray said, I think the work involves more than Seattle and it's burbs. Hence my previous post. But again I could be wrong, maybe Murray thinks Seattle and its burbs are the state?
So, from my understanding of what Murray said, I think the work involves more than Seattle and it's burbs. Hence my previous post. But again I could be wrong, maybe Murray thinks Seattle and its burbs are the state?
17
I agree with #8. Sure much needs to be done but we're not paying attention to the shit going on in our own backyard because we're too concerned being pissed off about what other states don't have.
We are so f-ing close here but people are too pissed to look beyond their their anger. As we speak, signatures of haters are being collected to possibly take away our domestic partnership bill signed a week ago.
Sure people disagree with politicians all the time on a bunch of issues. I've disagreed with this guy on a few myself. His approach to how we get marriage equality is a good one that has worked well so far (LGBT gains for years in a row... hmm... he must be doing something right). The reality is that people don't step outside Seattle enough to know that the rest of Washington does not think like Seattle.
As as for the "work that has to be done..." Poe if you gave as much effort educating yourself about issue and throwing that energy into saving what we got here... rather than bitching about ... then I think the entire state would be better off. That's the kind of energy we need...
Murray isn't going to sugar coat it... rallies are great... follow up is better.
Freakn' educate yourself. You can throw a rock in any direction in Seattle it will land on some kind of euqality, pro rights, evniro, education... etc... non-profit, organization, or agency.
Finally, don't shit all over people like Murray because he, and countless others, continue to actually give a crap enough to work with jerks like you to make this a better place.
We are so f-ing close here but people are too pissed to look beyond their their anger. As we speak, signatures of haters are being collected to possibly take away our domestic partnership bill signed a week ago.
Sure people disagree with politicians all the time on a bunch of issues. I've disagreed with this guy on a few myself. His approach to how we get marriage equality is a good one that has worked well so far (LGBT gains for years in a row... hmm... he must be doing something right). The reality is that people don't step outside Seattle enough to know that the rest of Washington does not think like Seattle.
As as for the "work that has to be done..." Poe if you gave as much effort educating yourself about issue and throwing that energy into saving what we got here... rather than bitching about ... then I think the entire state would be better off. That's the kind of energy we need...
Murray isn't going to sugar coat it... rallies are great... follow up is better.
Freakn' educate yourself. You can throw a rock in any direction in Seattle it will land on some kind of euqality, pro rights, evniro, education... etc... non-profit, organization, or agency.
Finally, don't shit all over people like Murray because he, and countless others, continue to actually give a crap enough to work with jerks like you to make this a better place.
18
Geez, don’t be so slack ass. I think the message is simple. You can either continue bitching to the choir – or you can organize and take action by educating legislators and constituents in other districts that marriage equality is moral, economically wise, and that their future reelection depends on their support for equality.
That does require doing something. But you’re grown up now and mom & dad aren’t going to do this for you.
Sen. Murray has been the leader of civil rights legislation in Washington for many years. This state is a better place to live and raise a family because of his success, but there is still much to do to win the hearts and minds of those who oppose marriage equality.
That’s the reality. Sorry if it isn’t Polly Anna enough for you –
That does require doing something. But you’re grown up now and mom & dad aren’t going to do this for you.
Sen. Murray has been the leader of civil rights legislation in Washington for many years. This state is a better place to live and raise a family because of his success, but there is still much to do to win the hearts and minds of those who oppose marriage equality.
That’s the reality. Sorry if it isn’t Polly Anna enough for you –
19
@16, since you asked to be corrected: Ed Murray is talking about swing voters in districts that a pro-equality candidate could potentially really win; he is not talking about the state as a whole.
"Most of the swing districts are within driving distance of Seattle—they are in East King County, Pierce and Snohomish counties. They are not in eastern Washington. And it's in these swing districts that marriage equality in Washington state will be decided."
That means Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Redmond, Sammamish, Bothell, Lakewood, Federal Way... those on the edge. Not those east-of-mountains districts that are so red that there is little or no hope to win them--most of them are not even close to being classified as a swing district.
"Most of the swing districts are within driving distance of Seattle—they are in East King County, Pierce and Snohomish counties. They are not in eastern Washington. And it's in these swing districts that marriage equality in Washington state will be decided."
That means Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Redmond, Sammamish, Bothell, Lakewood, Federal Way... those on the edge. Not those east-of-mountains districts that are so red that there is little or no hope to win them--most of them are not even close to being classified as a swing district.
21
Sure, I'll go to Bothell if there's a rally! I probably would find an excuse to avoid Federal Way and Lakewood, though. And yes, I know that makes me elitist and wrong, but ew.
22
I spent the holiday weekend in Oak Harbor, and the subject of DP bills came up. It went well, and one person committed to protecting domestic partnerships and supporting full marriage equality. The rest listened intently, but made no commitment. I also filled them on my fellow Oregonian, Gary Randall and his organization, and his involvement in trying to determine WA state politics.
24
to all
Ed has a stock blame somebody speech which he has delivered several times at events in the past two years. Stress? Ed needs to relax, make it clear what he means, and Seattle will follow, he is a proven political leader of the first degree.
You all here at Slog just read it - "need to do more, nobody working well in Olympia, go change minds in Prosser and Bellevue", and on down the list.
FIRST - if the right perfects a signature drive, we will be on the ballot and MUST win. So the Ed grouse is a bit off target at this moment ... make no mistake, Ref.71 is about the future of gay marriage in this state, and that will be the slogan of our enemies.
SECOND - In this state we have just finished the most productive legislative work in the History of our Movement. Let's take a deep breath and say " Much work, year and years and years, well done." Give ERW and all the thousands of us who did tons of work, mailed, talked and sent money some credit.
THIRD - marriage in this state is years away. Dump the red flag crises stuff. Yes, step by step we need to organize, and fewer secret meetings in Olympia with no agenda announced to the masses, ever, might help tell us all what the plan is, but, it is step by step - and will take years of dedicated work at the grass roots.
FOUR - neglect your base and there is no win. Dedicated progressive Dems. from Seattle have the power to block any amendment to the state constitution. Thanks god, or DOMA would be in our constitution.
Signed: Angry but remember Iowa, Maine, Vermont et others ...
Ed has a stock blame somebody speech which he has delivered several times at events in the past two years. Stress? Ed needs to relax, make it clear what he means, and Seattle will follow, he is a proven political leader of the first degree.
You all here at Slog just read it - "need to do more, nobody working well in Olympia, go change minds in Prosser and Bellevue", and on down the list.
FIRST - if the right perfects a signature drive, we will be on the ballot and MUST win. So the Ed grouse is a bit off target at this moment ... make no mistake, Ref.71 is about the future of gay marriage in this state, and that will be the slogan of our enemies.
SECOND - In this state we have just finished the most productive legislative work in the History of our Movement. Let's take a deep breath and say " Much work, year and years and years, well done." Give ERW and all the thousands of us who did tons of work, mailed, talked and sent money some credit.
THIRD - marriage in this state is years away. Dump the red flag crises stuff. Yes, step by step we need to organize, and fewer secret meetings in Olympia with no agenda announced to the masses, ever, might help tell us all what the plan is, but, it is step by step - and will take years of dedicated work at the grass roots.
FOUR - neglect your base and there is no win. Dedicated progressive Dems. from Seattle have the power to block any amendment to the state constitution. Thanks god, or DOMA would be in our constitution.
Signed: Angry but remember Iowa, Maine, Vermont et others ...
25
Murray is spot-on. These domestic-partnership bills have given REAL rights to REAL people. I am constantly surprised by Seattleites who say that they want "all or nothing"—well, that's easy to say if you live in progressive Seattle. What about the 30-year couple in Asotin County who need any rights they can get, NOW. For them, these bills are immediately life-changing. So don't tell me that it's "all or nothing" unless you're willing to give nothing to that couple, while the internal workings of gay officialdom in Seattle are "worked out."
Second, many commenters seem to have the idea that passing a bill is just a matter of having enough Democrats in Olympia. Anyone who has been involved in any sort of political fight in Olympia know that getting a bill passed is, in fact, exceedingly challenging. There are just too many places for the bill to fall apart: committee (a chairperson could decide s/he just doesn't like the bill, and it dies in committee), on the floor (where it can be ignored, amended, or just shut down altogether), in the effort to get both houses to pass the same bill (you can imagine how much in-fighting this can provoke), at the Governor's desk, and then at the voting booth (in the case of a referendum). That's a TON of places for things to go wrong.
Having enough Democrats in the legislature is not enough—you have to insure yourself against these derailments. For autos, you go to Progressive or GEICO or whomever. For legislative politics, you go to swing districts, moderate Republicans, liberal churches...
Listen, people: we're winning, big time. With all due respect to dissenters — and with all of the national momentum on our side — this is not the time to form a circular firing squad.
Now THAT would be a silly strategy, wouldn't it? This is ours to win. Let's not blow it.
More...
Second, many commenters seem to have the idea that passing a bill is just a matter of having enough Democrats in Olympia. Anyone who has been involved in any sort of political fight in Olympia know that getting a bill passed is, in fact, exceedingly challenging. There are just too many places for the bill to fall apart: committee (a chairperson could decide s/he just doesn't like the bill, and it dies in committee), on the floor (where it can be ignored, amended, or just shut down altogether), in the effort to get both houses to pass the same bill (you can imagine how much in-fighting this can provoke), at the Governor's desk, and then at the voting booth (in the case of a referendum). That's a TON of places for things to go wrong.
Having enough Democrats in the legislature is not enough—you have to insure yourself against these derailments. For autos, you go to Progressive or GEICO or whomever. For legislative politics, you go to swing districts, moderate Republicans, liberal churches...
Listen, people: we're winning, big time. With all due respect to dissenters — and with all of the national momentum on our side — this is not the time to form a circular firing squad.
Now THAT would be a silly strategy, wouldn't it? This is ours to win. Let's not blow it.
26
Murray gets reelected every time by Capitol Hill U district voters.
Perhaps he ought to be asked to have an emergency mass meeting of folks who like to follow his advice, so that he could explain it in person.
Likely he knows EXACTLY what other legislators need support or encouragement or volunteers to come out for gay marriage. Perhaps if he doesn't have this list he ought to be encouraged to make that list now and you know, be a you know, um LEADER ON THIS ISSUE not just issue off hand edicts of advice from on high but actually get down and dirty and ORGANIZE FOLKS so he you know REPRESENTS HIS DISTRICT.
I mean his advice is spot on but he's being kind of distant you know. We do realize he has the whole state to run but if the top dawg rep. in the whole state happens to be from the freakin' fighting 43d (if you don't know what that even means, please, please go learn about state politics) you might think he would actually you know, have like a mass meeting or actually HELP ORGANIZE FOLKS HIMSELF.
Sorry for yelling but really, does he expect "the people" to just fumble around and guess at what to do? He could even go to a legislator from Renton and say, in effect, gee you know, I have this team of 2000 volunteers to spread around...could we get your support for gay marriage and we will make sure you get your share?
Andif he and Pedersen and Chopp won't do this get some legislators who will.
Perhaps he ought to be asked to have an emergency mass meeting of folks who like to follow his advice, so that he could explain it in person.
Likely he knows EXACTLY what other legislators need support or encouragement or volunteers to come out for gay marriage. Perhaps if he doesn't have this list he ought to be encouraged to make that list now and you know, be a you know, um LEADER ON THIS ISSUE not just issue off hand edicts of advice from on high but actually get down and dirty and ORGANIZE FOLKS so he you know REPRESENTS HIS DISTRICT.
I mean his advice is spot on but he's being kind of distant you know. We do realize he has the whole state to run but if the top dawg rep. in the whole state happens to be from the freakin' fighting 43d (if you don't know what that even means, please, please go learn about state politics) you might think he would actually you know, have like a mass meeting or actually HELP ORGANIZE FOLKS HIMSELF.
Sorry for yelling but really, does he expect "the people" to just fumble around and guess at what to do? He could even go to a legislator from Renton and say, in effect, gee you know, I have this team of 2000 volunteers to spread around...could we get your support for gay marriage and we will make sure you get your share?
Andif he and Pedersen and Chopp won't do this get some legislators who will.
27
Ace:
Your points are really odd.
"Secret meetings in Olympia" Last time I checked there were marriage bills introduced in both houses with a lot support (not enough, but a good start).
You are confusing our constitution with California. Can't amend it without two thirds of the legislature, and it has been stopped every time they tried. If an amendment gets that kind of vote in the legislature it means this state has gone off the cliff and Seattle won't matter.
The states you mention at the end....get real you live in the West with its governing by vote of the people.
Your points are really odd.
"Secret meetings in Olympia" Last time I checked there were marriage bills introduced in both houses with a lot support (not enough, but a good start).
You are confusing our constitution with California. Can't amend it without two thirds of the legislature, and it has been stopped every time they tried. If an amendment gets that kind of vote in the legislature it means this state has gone off the cliff and Seattle won't matter.
The states you mention at the end....get real you live in the West with its governing by vote of the people.
28
#27 - there are no open meetings of any kind to discuss legislative projects of any kind in Olympia, just post facto carping about what people never asked never did.
No confusion about Washington. My point is that because we have elected progressive Dems in Seattle, we can block amendments to out constitution that are horrid right wing drivel - from there there is more work to be done, but, credit is due.
By the way, if the Dems in Olympia could enforce party votes, maybe some of this would be easier.
Victory is victory - I will take all I can where ever they happen. Three cheers Iowa, Maine and Vermont.
No confusion about Washington. My point is that because we have elected progressive Dems in Seattle, we can block amendments to out constitution that are horrid right wing drivel - from there there is more work to be done, but, credit is due.
By the way, if the Dems in Olympia could enforce party votes, maybe some of this would be easier.
Victory is victory - I will take all I can where ever they happen. Three cheers Iowa, Maine and Vermont.
29
I think if you want to look at the history of lgbt civil rights and marriage equality in the state of Washington there is on place the stranger should ook for an explanation.....its editor.
Anderson v. King County wouldn't have been filed and put before the Supreme Court of Washington if yours truly hadn't forced the leaders of the lgbt community to push the case at that time. Mr. Savage wouldn't listen that the composition of the court was not right but my understanding has always been that if the organizations and lambda legal didn't do it he would. Now of course any individual has a right to file a suit and of course we all think that marriage equality should exist.....but timing is everything.
ith Anderson decided the way it was people like Ed Murray assessed the lay fo the land and we are where we are today because he, and others, recognized that a ballot fight will be at the end of this long tale and that the citizens of Washington would not approve of SSM at this time. As much as we want to be right and want to believe that the majority of Washingtonians are on our side that simply isn't the case.....yet.
If you want some proactive things to do that could help that are very specific here are some:
1) Write a letter to the editor at a newspaper that is not the Seattle Times about BOTH not signing the Referendum 71 petitions AND eventual marriage equality. Write specifics about harms you have experienced.
2) Work on the following 2010 Senate campaigns to keep or defeat these Senators. (volunteer or donate!) I picked the ones that likely won't be a landslide in either direction.....The ones with *** are Senators that our opponents targeted this session because of their DP vote. They will certainly be targets in 2010 and can use your help for sure!
- Chris Marr, 3rd district (spokane) - keep!***
- Jerome Delvin, 8th (richland) - defeat
- Janea Holmquist, 13th (ellensburg) - defeat
- Derek Kilmer, 26th (pierce/kitsap) - keep!***
- Tracey Eide, 30th (fed. way) - keep!
- Pam Roach, 31st (Auburn) - defeat
- Adam Kline, 37th (Seattle) - keep!
- Jean Berkey, 38th (Everett) - keep!***
- Dale Brandland, 42nd (Bellingham) - keep!***
- Steve Hobbs, 44th (Lake Stevens) - keep!***
- Eric Oemig, 45th (Kirkland) - keep!
- Claudia Kauffman, 47th (Kent) - keep!***
Thank you Ed Murray for recognizing that sometimes what we want and what is politically practical are sometimes not the same thing. Wishing something is excepted by the masses and that being the case are not the same thing. But one day soon - yes.
More...
Anderson v. King County wouldn't have been filed and put before the Supreme Court of Washington if yours truly hadn't forced the leaders of the lgbt community to push the case at that time. Mr. Savage wouldn't listen that the composition of the court was not right but my understanding has always been that if the organizations and lambda legal didn't do it he would. Now of course any individual has a right to file a suit and of course we all think that marriage equality should exist.....but timing is everything.
ith Anderson decided the way it was people like Ed Murray assessed the lay fo the land and we are where we are today because he, and others, recognized that a ballot fight will be at the end of this long tale and that the citizens of Washington would not approve of SSM at this time. As much as we want to be right and want to believe that the majority of Washingtonians are on our side that simply isn't the case.....yet.
If you want some proactive things to do that could help that are very specific here are some:
1) Write a letter to the editor at a newspaper that is not the Seattle Times about BOTH not signing the Referendum 71 petitions AND eventual marriage equality. Write specifics about harms you have experienced.
2) Work on the following 2010 Senate campaigns to keep or defeat these Senators. (volunteer or donate!) I picked the ones that likely won't be a landslide in either direction.....The ones with *** are Senators that our opponents targeted this session because of their DP vote. They will certainly be targets in 2010 and can use your help for sure!
- Chris Marr, 3rd district (spokane) - keep!***
- Jerome Delvin, 8th (richland) - defeat
- Janea Holmquist, 13th (ellensburg) - defeat
- Derek Kilmer, 26th (pierce/kitsap) - keep!***
- Tracey Eide, 30th (fed. way) - keep!
- Pam Roach, 31st (Auburn) - defeat
- Adam Kline, 37th (Seattle) - keep!
- Jean Berkey, 38th (Everett) - keep!***
- Dale Brandland, 42nd (Bellingham) - keep!***
- Steve Hobbs, 44th (Lake Stevens) - keep!***
- Eric Oemig, 45th (Kirkland) - keep!
- Claudia Kauffman, 47th (Kent) - keep!***
Thank you Ed Murray for recognizing that sometimes what we want and what is politically practical are sometimes not the same thing. Wishing something is excepted by the masses and that being the case are not the same thing. But one day soon - yes.
31
Ed Murray has done more for the community than anyone could imagine. Sure he could have tried to push the marriage bill at this time but it would have floundered in the Senate and been dead on arrival.
If you were to put another 43rd gay dem in the Senate right now the same thing would happen. At least as Senator rises to power in the Senate (currently Dem caucus chair) he can exert some influence over the party to get us where we all want. But at the same time ------ a referendum on the civil marriage bill would have happened and the state just isn't ready for it yet.
Again - wishing the majority is on your side does not mean that it will be their on election day.
If you were to put another 43rd gay dem in the Senate right now the same thing would happen. At least as Senator rises to power in the Senate (currently Dem caucus chair) he can exert some influence over the party to get us where we all want. But at the same time ------ a referendum on the civil marriage bill would have happened and the state just isn't ready for it yet.
Again - wishing the majority is on your side does not mean that it will be their on election day.
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