Gay marriage support has risks for GOP lawmakers
As more state legislatures around the country consider whether to legalize same-sex weddings, an analysis of gay marriage votes in eight states shows that Republican lawmakers who backed it often faced consequences including loss of their seats.
According to roll call votes analyzed by The Associated Press, in the eight times nationwide that state legislatures voted for gay marriage, just 47 Republicans bucked the party line out of many hundreds who voted against it.
A vote to allow gay marriage in Minnesota has recently grown more likely in its Legislature, and could come as early as this spring. In Illinois, the state Senate voted 34-21 on Thursday to legalize gay marriage, sending the measure on to the state House. In Rhode Island, a gay marriage bill passed last month by the House awaits a Senate vote. Similar pushes could surface soon in Delaware, Hawaii and New Jersey.
Read more: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Gay-marriage-support-has-risks-for-GOP-lawmakers-4280830.php#ixzz2L5gKLbTq
calimary
(85,064 posts)That would be a win-win situation as far as I can see, and something to be hoped for and encouraged in other races and campaigns around the country. Let this be like a pink slip in their pay envelopes!
No sympathy from me for these Neanderthals! Fuck 'em. Too damn bad. I'm tired of these assholes holding the rest of the country back like balls and chains around our ankles. This is what happens when you willingly, even eagerly, place yourself on the wrong side of history and the inevitable evolution of thought and knowledge and wisdom. Just Fuck 'em.
"I think a lot of conservative elected Republicans are going to go down with the ship on this one," (Cheryl) Pflug said. "I think the Republican Party is at a crossroads."
calimary reads passages like this and says "GOOD!!!!!! And GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!" Followed by another "Just FUCK 'em."
customerserviceguy
(25,198 posts)but how many of them are going to put themselves on the line for a principle, only to be primaried, and lose the seat to someone of the opposite party in the next general election?
Can you think of a reason other than political courage for them to do it? If not, how many Republicans do you expect to show such fortitude for a "liberal" cause? Frankly, running the numbers tells them that it's a losing proposition to do the right thing, even if they have gay and lesbian friends who they'd otherwise support. All they have to do is show those friends the facts, and it shuts them down with pursuing the issue any more.
How does that help us achieve equality?
bluestateguy
(44,173 posts)And he's going to be there awhile too.
But maybe there is a way it could be done by voter referendum?