NOM BLOG

Democrats & Pro-SSM Sen. Alesi Starting To Worry SSM Won't Happen

 

Reuters reports Democrats --and one of the two Republican Senators who have caved and say they will support the bill - are getting worried:

Some lawmakers backing same-sex marriage in New York began voicing doubts on Friday whether a bill to legalize gay nuptials would come up for a vote before the state legislature breaks for summer recess.

... New York lawmakers were due to break for a summer recess last Monday but Cuomo asked them to remain to deal with outstanding bills. Negotiations on some of those, including rent control laws and a cap on property taxes, stalled the gay marriage issue.

... Sen. Jim Alesi of Rochester, the first of two Republican senators who have so far backed same-sex marriage, told reporters on Friday that momentum could be waning as the session dragged on.

"I'm concerned," Alesi said.

... While only one Senate Republican vote is needed, most observers say at least two or three additional votes are necessary to provide political cover, as same-sex marriage is a sensitive issue for conservative politicians.

Alesi's comment is significant because he's conferencing with the GOP right now.

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