Statewide special elections could unseat gay-friendly legislators

[Ian David]

GAY MARRIAGE ADVOCATES UNSURE OF ELECTION OUTCOMES

The outcome of special elections scheduled to take place in the next few weeks across the state could mean the difference in the next Constitutional Convention between legislators moving forward or permanantly squashing efforts to put a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage on the 2008 ballot.

In the 14th Worcester District, voters head to the polls on Tues, March 20, to replace former state Rep. James B. Leary, who left office to become chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray. Leary backed efforts to keep a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage off the ballot during the Jan. 2 Constitional Convention.

Arline Isaacson, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus, also expects a number of candidates to try, in the upcoming special election in the 11th Norfolk District, to replace state Rep. Robert K. Coughlin. The primary date for that district, which includes the towns of Dedham and Westwood and part of Walpole, is April 17, the same day as the general election in Worcester. The general election for 11th Norfolk is May 15.

"These are both important seats because both were held by legislators who strongly supported us," said Arline Isaacson. "Thankfully, we have many good candidates."

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Gay marriage proponents feel there are 58 votes in the Legislature to advance the amendment. Only 50 votes, or 25 percent of the Legislature, need support putting the amendment to a popular vote. The measure cleared its first hurdle on Jan. 2 after 62 legislators voted in favor of it.

More:
http://www.innewsweekly.com/innews/?class_code=Br&article_code=3584


See prior thread:

Tweaking Equality Odds on Beacon Hill-- Worcester Primary is KEY!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=221x49480