NOM BLOG

National Organization for Marriage President Calls Out Grisanti for Outright Lie During Debate

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2012
Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)


"He changed his vote for power and campaign contributions and now he is outright lying to the people of Western New York." —Brian Brown, President, NOM—

National Organization for Marriage

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today called out New York State Senator Mark Grisanti for outright lying in a debate with his two opponents in the 61st Senate District. During the Wednesday morning debate Grisanti said, "He did not campaign against marriage equality in 2010." The lie was made in an attempt to fend off his opponents who were challenging Grisanti on his flip-flop and betrayal of traditional marriage.

"For Mark Grisanti to say he didn't run on the issue of marriage couldn't be further from the truth," Brown said. "In 2008, I had a phone conversation with him. He pledged his support and took our money. I can't imagine how it could be any clearer."

Brown also referenced a letter that Grisanti wrote to several members of the clergy throughout the district proclaiming that he was "unalterably opposed" to same-sex marriage.

"Mark Grisanti showed us his lack of character and integrity when he flip-flopped and betrayed us on marriage and he is showing his true colors again to defend his deplorable actions" Brown continued.

Brown cited two different news accounts regarding Grisanti's 2010 victory:

  1. A New York Times Magazine article from April of 2012 that wrote, "he told people he was in the man-and-a-woman camp, which probably bought him a smattering of black support. Moreover, Grisanti was listed on the ballot as the candidate of the Conservative Party in addition to being the Republican nominee, and he reaped 4,368 votes on the Conservative line. So it is not a stretch to suggest that, between Conservative and black votes, Mark Grisanti owes his seat to the fact that he identified himself as a "no" vote on gay marriage."

  2. and

  3. A Buffalo News article written by Donn Esmonde in November of 2010 where former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra, who was credited with orchestrating the successful Grisanti State Senate campaign, attributed the win in part because Grisanti's opponent Antoine Thompson " had trouble with his base [of support] because of his backing of gay marriage."

"Mark Grisanti clearly changed his position and now he's trying to change history. He changed his vote for power and campaign contributions and now he is outright lying to the people of Western New York so he can continue to cash in," Brown concluded.

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To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Jen Campbell (x145), [email protected] , or Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected] , at 703-683-5004.

Paid for by The National Organization for Marriage, Brian Brown, president. 2029 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. New ยง 68A.405(1)(f) & (h).

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