NYT: Gay Marriage Becomes Swing Issue with Pull (state ballot initiatives)

[DeepModem Mom]

Gay Marriage Becomes a Swing Issue With Pull
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK

Published: August 14, 2004


Supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage called this week's California Supreme Court decision nullifying San Francisco's marriage licenses a minor prelude to bigger battles at the ballot box. Both social conservatives and gay rights groups say their debate is becoming increasingly intertwined with the presidential election.

Social conservatives have argued for months that voters, not judges, should ultimately settle the issue of legal recognition for gay couples. They have organized to put constitutional amendments blocking same-sex marriages on the ballots in a dozen states this fall, including the pivotal swing states of Oregon, Michigan and Ohio.

And after the strong turnout in support of a similar measure in Missouri on Aug. 3, some conservative strategists said that the referendums could help President Bush by motivating traditionalists to vote. "It could well be what swings the election," said Grover Norquist, a strategist close to the Bush campaign....

***

Of the three swing states where same-sex marriage amendments are likely to appear on the ballot, (Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster who has worked for the Human Rights Campaign) argued, Ohio was the only one where it might make a difference. She argued that the amendment was not very popular in Oregon and that Mr. Kerry could carry Michigan by turning out voters among traditionally Democratic groups like union members and African-Americans.

"Ohio is a different story," Ms. Lake said. "It is very close and it could have an impact there."...


http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/14/national/14gays.html

[saigon68]

1. A new book "HOW TO SOW HATE AND ANGER" -by rove

Ya he's getting it ready now.

Wait until you see footage of various gay pride parades on TV

Rove's "SWIFTY LIARS" are only a precursor to this stuff

Wait to really see how evil these Rovian Fuckers really are.

Edit:

spelling

[moobu2]

2. I know it's comin

Swift boat liars for Bush was just the beginning, Karl Rove's been planning crap this for several years I'm sure.

[DeepModem Mom]

3. Hi, moobu2 -- welcome to DU!

More crap coming for sure --

[LondonAmerican]

4. Yes no doubt this will heat up

The Bush campaign is limitless in it cynicism.

Every time Kerry disgusts me with some inane comment on Iraq or a dodged vote on the FMA, Bush & co go and do something even worse.

I really wish we had a principled opposition in the US. But given that we don't, Kerry is I guess the closest that we have got.

I just can't take another four years of Bush.

[The Zanti Regent]

5. How bout the Log Cabin GOPers?

They need to remember that those who lay down in Log Cabins wake up with a lot of splinters...

[DeepModem Mom]

6. VERY clever! n/t

[AndyTiedye]

7. IT'S TIME TO COME OUT OF THE CABIN!!

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

8. I recall people posting on DU on how this "wont be an issue".

Looks like it IS going to be an issue, after all.

[Cronus Protagonist]

9. It's not a big issue

No one who wasn't going to the polls is suddenly going to rush out and register for the sake of this issue. And we already know the right wingers vote early, consistently and often, so no gain there at all.

So a few people will check the box they prefer for that issue, but it won't do a damn thing to make up for Bush's fuck ups. and therefore it won't make even the slightest dent in the election for president.

SHOVE IT! - Drop Bush Not Bombs! - Hero Kerry AWOL Bush
http://brainbuttons.com/home.asp?stashid=13