N.J. Lawmaker: Gay Marriage Nears Veto-Proof Support

[MNBrewer]

http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/01/19/n-j-lawmaker-gay-marriage-nears-veto-proof-support/?mod=google_news_blog

New Jersey Democrats believe they are within spitting distance of securing enough support to override a veto of same-sex marriage legislation if Gov. Chris Christie chooses not support it.

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, one of the bill’s sponsors, estimated the chamber had between 24 and 27 supporters for legislation to allow for same-sex marriage in New Jersey. It takes 27 votes in the 40-member state senate to override a governor’s veto.

[MarkCharles]

1. Terrific News Chis Christie, eat your ever-loving bigoted Republican heart out!

I hope his entire career as a NJ Gov goes down as FAIL, and this would be a great example of Republican fail for all time. Let's face it, Republicans are, (or will soon be), irrelevant.

[JackBeck]

2. Both Ray and Loretta have been our legislative champions for equality.

The only Democrat we cannot count on is state Senator Ron Rice, Sr.

Sen. Rice's son, on the other hand, has been a very vocal supporter of marriage equality.

But we are fortunate to have Republican support, and we've worked really hard to get here.

Next week's Judiciary hearing will show we have more support in 2012 than we did in 2009.

[closeupready]

3. Glad to hear it. K&R

nt

[Zorra]

4. This would be a huge victory for us.

Not just as in another state legalizing marriage, but also, IMO, as an indicator that there is major public support for marriage, and that legislators are growing increasingly aware of this fact.

[closeupready]

5. Gov. Crisp Crispie Cream says he will veto, even if it passes...

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-24/christie-pledges-gay-marriage-veto-as-democrats-push-forward.html

[MNBrewer]

6. Not unexpected.

If the veto proof majority comes through it costs him nothing, given the rabidly anti-gay nature of the Republican Electorate.

[closeupready]

7. Yep. Like these flag-burning laws - you know it won't stand up in court anyway, so why not?

Voting for it (or against it, as he's vowed to do) is sort of like voting for laws condemning mean people - you know it won't be effective but you'll get the political mileage from doing something your supporters would LIKE to do.

[William769]

8. Christie wants marriage equality issue on the ballot

BRIDGEWATER - Gov. Chris Christie today called for a ballot question this November on same-sex marriage.

"Let's put the question of same sex marriage on the ballot," Christie said.

"I believe in the institution of marriage. I realize this is my personal opinion. ...Rather than have stalemate and deadlock on this issue, let's put it on the ballot.

"It shouldn't be decided by 121 people in Trenton.

http://www.politickernj.com/54247/christie-wants-marriage-equality-issue-ballot