News Necessities: Christie and Brown Turn Marriage Down
March 6, 2012
Yesterday, MassDems.org posted an open letter to Sen. Brown written by a two state representatives and four additional marriage equality activists. The topic? Scott Brown’s stance on marriage equality.
I’m glad they took the time to write this. Here’s a quick snippet:
We ask you to use your appearance with Gov. Christie tonight to come out in support of marriage equality and call on Gov. Christie to take a firm stance for equality in his home state. You’re record on LGBT issues leaves a lot to be desired.
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This was a preemptive strike if you will, regarding the senator’s fundraiser last night at the Westin Copley Hotel. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie headlined the event.
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Brown’s spokesman responded to the letter in a written statement:
“Elizabeth Warren and her supporters are mistaken if they think this election is about social issues. It’s about jobs, and reducing debt and controlling spending…
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Social issues? How about ethical issues – validating your state’s landmark decision to recognize equality? But yes, the two political bastions joined forces in the fight to build a solid economy and expand the job market – while charging anywhere from $100 to $2,500 per attendee. And I’m wagering a conversation on marriage equality was the farthest thing from their lips…at least in public.
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As we all know, Governor Christie vetoed the NJ marriage equality bill last month stating that voters should have the right to change the definition of marriage in the state. Senator Brown of course, has his own issues with the LGBT community – and even invoked a weekly tally from Bay Windows, noting how long he’s refused to speak with the publication.
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We’ve talked about this before – Brown’s lack of attention for the LGBT community. The Boston Herald even highlighted this issue last year. Our senator has an uncanny ability or rather inability, to connect with a key group of his constituents.
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To this end the HRC announced support for his challenger – Elizabeth Warren – not that I’m surprised.
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But here’s the interesting part. In terms of fund raising, Warren is certainly taking the senator to task. It was reported last month that Warren raised $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 while Brown received 3.2 million. It’s important to note that 69% of Warren’s funds came from out-of-state donors. But while the senator dodges “social issues” he has eight percentage points over Warren in the polls…
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It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out – the fiscal ideology vs. social responsibility debate. I can’t imagine delaying marriage equality will be the key GOP strategy for much longer…
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News Necessities: Sue
Sue likes sticking to the important issues and brings you one post every Tuesday to highlight a recent event or media frenzy and dissect it.
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Diffuse 5 is a website providing events, news, articles, products and interviews for the lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community in Boston and beyond.
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