NEW YORK: Activists Attack Senate Leader Over Support For Anti-Gay Dems

[WillParkinson]

NEW YORK: Activists Attack Senate Leader Over Support For Anti-Gay Dems

New York Senate leader John Sampson met with the Stonewall Democratic Club in Brooklyn this weekend where activists ripped him a new one over his support for Sen. Ruben Diaz and Sen. Shirley Huntley, both of whom vigorously oppose marriage equality. Things got so heated at the meeting that Sampson threatened to walk out.

Sampson has angered gay advocates with his pledge to support all Senate Dems seeking reelection, including the six who voted against the same-sex marriage bill, killing it, 38 to 24. He's also refused to promise to put the controversial bill up for another vote. "I don't think the senator is a homophobe by any stretch of the imagination, but we'd like to see him working on our side a little bit harder," club President Joe Hagelmann said about Saturday's meeting at Junior's Cheesecake. Eight Democrats joined all 30 Republicans in opposing the bill. One opponent, Hiram Monserrate, has since been expelled from the Senate. Another no-vote, Sen. George Onorato, is retiring. Five of the remaining six face serious primary or general election challenges.

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-york-activists-attack-senate-leader.html

[joeybee12]

1. Keep ripping new ones until they realize we're tired of this shit...KNR

[xchrom]

2. Recommend

[GodlessBiker]

3. Of course, "Activists Attack..." rather than "Senate Leader Ignores Pleas..."

[WillParkinson]

4. You noticed that, too?

Hate the headline.

[Jim Lane]

5. I have to disagree with this move by the Stonewall Dems

Of course the Senate Democratic leader is going to support Senate Democrats. Supporters of marriage equality should concentrate on going after the Senators (in both parties) who voted No. They're pounding their heads against a brick wall if they're trying to get Sampson to oppose the re-election of some members of his caucus.

Here's a more productive idea: Say to the state Democratic Party, "Our financial contributions will go only to individual Democratic candidates who are on our side on this issue. We won't give to any Party committees as long as some of the money might end up helping homophobes."