New York’s Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who worked both sides of the aisle to get his same-sex marriage bill passed last year, today sent the only Republican senator who voted for marriage equality but lost their re-election bid, Roy McDonald, a letter offering him his “full endorsement” should he choose to run as an independent in November. Cuomo also stated that he believes McDonald’s support of same-sex marriage “was a contributing factor” to his defeat, while noting the other Republicans who voted for same-sex marriage equality “paid a price for their vote,” even though ultimately it was not “politically fatal.”
“I don’t know if an Independent candidacy would be successful on Election Day or if it is even viable, but if you decide to go forward with your campaign, you will have my full endorsement,†Cuomo’s letter, below, stated. “If you choose not to run and unify your party, I respect and understand that choice as well.â€
McDonald may very well be the first politician who voted for same-sex marriage to lose an election because of it — should he not run as an independent. His Republican opponent who won by a handful — just over 100 —  of absentee ballot votes,  Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione, won running against same-sex marriage.
Voters will choose between Democrat Robin Andrews and Republican Kathy Marchione, unless McDonald enters as an independent.
“Andrews, the Claverack town supervisor who is also openly gay and recently married her partner, says the race isn’t about the same-sex marriage vote. Instead, Andrews says that residents in the Senate district to talk about the economy and jobs,” YNN’s Capitol Tonight reports:
“I have been outspeaking with people in all four counties for months now and last year’s same-sex marriage vote is not what they are concerned about,†Andrews said. “People simply want someone with the energy and drive to find creative ways to create jobs and ensure that our government’s resources are being used effectively and efficiently.â€
It’s important to note that NOM, the National Organization For Marriage, claimed they were responsible for throwing out of office Republicans who voted for marriage equality in New York — clearly false.
Of the four Republicans who crossed the aisle and voted for same-sex marriage, one, Jim Allessi, decided to not run for re-election, two others, Stephen Saland and Mark Grisanti, won their re-election bids. Only McDonald lost.
But NOM even took credit for Democrat Shirley Huntley’s loss. Huntley was arrested days before the election and NOM had little if anything to do with her defeat:
“Marriage was redefined in New York because of six turncoat Senators, and we vowed we would not rest until they were removed from office,” said Brian Brown, NOM’s president. “We’ve now taken out four of the six who betrayed marriage, and we’re going to finish the job with the remaining two.”
Lies, lies, and more lies.
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