Gay Marriage Ruling a Test of the Mayor's Political Mettle

[Freddie Stubbs]

By JIM RUTENBERG

Published: February 7, 2005


With rising poll numbers, positive economic data and a preliminary election-year budget that avoided major cuts or tax hikes, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's opponents seemed to have a limited arsenal of weapons to use against him - until late last week.

A court ruling against the city on Friday making gay marriage legal in the five boroughs threw Mr. Bloomberg and his election team their first real test of the campaign season.

To forgo an appeal would have been to pave the way for a wave of gay marriages in New York City, which would certainly hurt Mr. Bloomberg - a longtime Democrat who only became a Republican four years ago - in a likely primary against two conservative challengers. But to appeal would be to anger not only politically powerful gay voters, but also heterosexual voters who approve of same-sex marriage.

Mr. Bloomberg's solution, to pledge support for gay marriage while also announcing that the city would appeal the judge's decision to ensure that a higher court is in agreement with it, drew criticism yesterday from those on both sides of the debate. But even opponents said he seemed to have bought himself some time - though how much remains unclear.

more: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/07/nyregion/07marriage.html?pagewanted=all

[Ian David]

1. What a wuss. "I'm in favor of it, but I'm campaigning against it."

If he really means what he says, this is what he'll do:

1) He'll appoint his most junior member of the DA's department to appeal the ruling.

2) He'll give them close to a zero budget.

The effect will be that:

1) The appeal is somewhat more likely to fail
2) The state will save a bunch of money on the case
3) The fundie groups that insert themselves into these cases will have to shoulder more of the financial and logistical burden themselves.

Which brings up an interesting strategy idea I'll post in another thread...

[BrklynLiberal]

2. No way Bloomberg is going to be Mayor of NYC again.