NY: Which Democrats Have to Go to Pass Gay Marriage in the Senate?

The state Senate vote Wednesday defeating gay marriage, while devastating to supporters of marriage equality, clarified the road map they must follow to make it the law in New York state. The bill needed nine more votes, and gay activist Corey Johnson, a veteran political operative, says that's attainable by 2011. But he emphasizes, “The first priority is definitely to protect the 24 members who voted yes.” Dave Valesky of Syracuse and Brian Foley of Long Island will get the most help because they could face viable Republican challengers. Of the eight Democrats who voted against the bill, two in Queens might have been on their way out already. George Onorato has been in office for 26 years, following 15 years as a union treasurer, and could retire (possible successors Assemblyman Mike Gianaris and Councilman Eric Gioia are pro-marriage). Hiram Monserrate was looking at a serious challenge from Assemblyman Joel Peralta even before Monserrate abandoned his support for gay marriage. Peralta favors marriage equality and is in line for major campaign donations from its supporters. Full Story from York Business: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20091204/INS/912039986

Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.