It's game on in New York. The marriage bill could come to a vote in Albany by June 20th. We need Republican votes. Republicans control the State Senate. And, wealthy Republican donors in New York who are now backing -- and funding -- the campaign for same sex marriage:
As gay rights advocates intensify their campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, the bulk of their money is coming from an unexpected source: a group of conservative financiers and wealthy donors to the Republican Party, most of whom are known for bankrolling right-leaning candidates and causes.Check out some of the quotes:
Their behind-the-scenes financial support — about $1 million in donations, delivered in recent weeks to a new coalition of gay rights organizations — could alter the political calculus of Albany lawmakers, especially the Republican state senators in whose hands the fate of gay marriage rests.
The donors represent some of New York’s wealthiest and most politically active figures and include Paul E. Singer, a hedge fund manager and top-tier Republican donor, as well as two other financiers, Steven A. Cohen and Clifford S. Asness.
“This is an issue of basic freedom,” Mr. Asness said.And:
Mr. Cohen, who runs SAC Capital Advisers and has become increasingly active in Republican fund-raising, described his views simply: “We believe in social justice for all Americans.”If only more elected Republicans shared that view. We know they follow the money.
Wealthy Republicans are evolving more quickly than our President. It is way past time for Obama to evolve.
