The same-sex marriage bill has passed the New York Assembly. There are less than *six weeks* left until the legislature adjourns for the year. We need to do some intense lobbying of the New York Senate.. If we can convince just a few of the undecided people, New York will become the next state to legalize same-sex marriage. Is anyone aware of an active senate scorecard anywhere on this issue? For instance, just before the New Hampshire Senate went to debate their gay marriage bill, Blue Hampshire (a progressive New Hampshire political site) had on their front page a list of those senators that supported the bill and those that were undecided. This was a great system because it informed everyone of who needed to be convinced and intense lobbying could be devoted towards those specific individuals. And we all know what happened there. The same needs to happen with New York! Anyway, I've found a list of the swing voters (mostly thanks to the New York Times and Feministing):
From Feministing:
http://community.feministing.com/2009/05/marriage-equality-bill-passes.htmlSenator Vincent L. Leibell (R-Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess), He prefers civil unions to marriage, but said that he might not make up his mind until the last minute and that "society changes over time". (Interesting piece of info: His law practice does estate planning for gay couples).
Senator James S. Alesi (R-Rochester), "My public opinion has not been stated yet, and it probably won't be for a while". (Possible factor: He attends a church that blesses same-sex unions).
Senator Thomas P. Morahan (R-Rockland County) - He has said that he's "not going to come out one way or the other" on the issue.
Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau County) - He told the Times that although he's inclined to oppose the bill, it "deserves serious consideration".
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle (R-Hamptons) - Gay rights advocates consider him "open" to considering a yes vote.
Senator Elizabeth O'C. Little (R-Queensbury) - Gay rights supporters believe she is "within reach". So um, let's reach out to her, shall we?
Senator William T. Stachowski (D-Buffalo) - He opposes expanded same-sex marriage rights.
Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) - He was quoted in April : "I don't think that that's an issue that should be at the forefront of the Senate agenda and I would be very surprised if it was anytime soon." He would not say whether he himself supported the bill or not.
Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) - She opposes the bill largely based on her religious beliefs and that she's had a "large influx of calls and letters from constituents who asked me not to support it." Hm... sounds like it's time for a large influx of calls and letters from constituents who do want her to support it?
Senator Brian X. Foley (D-Suffolk County) - He has yet to voice a decision either way.
Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx/Westchester) - She's said that she's reserving judgment on the issue. Good sign:"I always try to believe that I'm an open-minded person." Bad sign: "This is an issue that challenges the fundamental believes that people have and that's not easy."
Senator John L. Sampson (D-Brooklyn) - He went from no to undecided, saying "I can't impose my own religious beliefs in a situation like this".
Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) - He said in April that he's yet to make a decision, but that "gay marriage is not a priority at this time ".
Senator George Onorato (D-Astoria) - He might be the biggest problem of all the Democrats... Apparently he has pledged to vote against marriage equality for reasons of "faith" and being "old fashioned and so far little progress has been made with him. There are already have been organized attempts to change his mind , so feel free to jump on board, especially if you're from his district.
These Senators may be contacted here
http://www.nysenate.gov/contact or
http://www.tips-q.com/834681-ny-state-senate-information-and-email-contacts
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