Subscribe to Breaking NewsWithers: Paterson gets much gay love
Sure his poll numbers would give any political operative agita. The state’s budget outlook is bleak and the New York Senate just ended a month of nutty nuttiness. Yet Gov. David Paterson was treated like a rock star when he walked into the Empire State Pride Agenda’s summer-tea fundraiser.The annual event, held this past Saturday in East Hampton, Long Island, works as a social and a way for New York pols to show their love to Empire State gays and lesbians. Junior Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made an appearance but Paterson was the main attraction. People rushed him, shook his hand, spoke into his ear, and cameras worked overtime.
Makes sense really. Sure he might not get reelected next year but only the churlish would say Paterson has not carried the water for gay marriage. Now it’s fair to question his motives and to note he usurped the long and dogged work others had done before him (like the folk at ESPA); however, Paterson has his pen ready to sign a gay marriage bill. And unlike another executive we all know and love (he lives in the White House), no one doubts the governor will give the bill his John Hancock.
Paterson has hinted he would like the Senate to deal to with marriage rights in September. If he holds to the plan, the governor will call the Legislature back for a special session to fix the state’s budget in the early fall; the Senate will be able to vote on gay marriage then (the Assembly has already passed a gay marriage bill).
I’ve repeated myself but it rings truer now. If you live in New York and gay marriage is your issue, then now is the time to get out the wallet and donate some cash to Paterson (I’m sure he wouldn’t mind some volunteer hours also). He’s going to need all the help he can muster. Plus you owe him.
If only Obama had 10% of the decency of David Patterson, we would actually see some progress on gay issues. God bless David Patterson!
The northeast Rocks!! lets go NEW YORK, its not the same without you !
Me and my husband got married in Massachusetts after Paterson took the lead on announcing NY State would honor these marriages. I remain grateful, and will not forget he stepped to the plate! Same goes to the Governor of Massachusetts (another African-American) who signed the legislation to allow out of state gay couples to marry.
I’m kinda left to wonder if Patterson isn’t already aware that he won’t be elected to his own term, and maybe he doesn’t really care that much. He knows he can make a mark like Spitzer never did by signing this bill and putting New York among the “good” states. It doesn’t cost anything, and it does make a strong addition to the growing gay-friendly portion of the Eastern US. It’s a balls-out gesture that he’s prepared to do a right thing and not be especially worried about any blowback. That rocks!