New York Senate Republicans Thanked for Marriage With $1.2 Million

[William769]

An appearance from New York state senate majority leader Dean Skelos and moving remarks from senator Mark Grisanti were among the highlights at a fund-raiser that generated about $1.2 million to recognize four Republican senators and their conference for this year’s marriage equality vote.

Held in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday evening, the "GOP Heroes" reception presented the first opportunity for donors to celebrate with all four lawmakers – James Alesi, Mark Grisanti, Roy McDonald, and Stephen Saland - since they joined 28 Democrats in supporting the bill in June. The vote marked the first time a republican-controlled legislative body passed a marriage equality bill.

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, gay philanthropist Tim Gill, and hedge fund manager Paul Singer chaired and spoke at the fund-raiser, which according to attendees attracted an assortment of major Republican and Democratic donors, independents, and people affiliated with the five LGBT organizations that campaigned in the New Yorkers United for Marriage coalition. Co-chairs included real estate developer Donald Capoccia, Tea Party patron David Koch and hedge fund manager Daniel S. Loeb, according to an invitation circulated on social networks.

“The individuals at this event tonight were a who’s who among conservative politics, Republican influencers, and politically savvy New Yorkers on both sides of the aisle and a lot of politically unaffiliated individuals,” said Gregory T. Angelo, a host committee member and chair of the Log Cabin Republicans of New York. “It’s greatly encouraging to me to see this type of broad-based support. I could see in each of the four senators this evening that they were pleased as well.”

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/10/13/New_York_Senate_Republicans_Thanked_for_Marriage_Vote_With_1_Million/

[MADem]

1. A bit of a paradigm shift, that....more like New England GOP from days gone by...

not the "southern strategy" hate-filled types.

[racaulk]

2. Although they're Republicans, I'm glad to hear this.

I hope these four pro-equality Republican Senators are able to defend their seats next year against anti-equality primary challengers that will doubtlessly be supported by NOM and various other anti-gay organizations. If that happens, then perhaps we can begin to show Republicans nationwide that supporting marriage equality is not necessarily a career ending move. And then we can really begin to make progress.

In an ideal world (for me, at least) these Senators would be replaced by pro-equality Democrats in the general election, but if those seats are to remain red in the next Congress, I hope these Republicans get to stay put.

K&R

(On a related note, I hope Ruben Diaz, Sr. gets his ass handed to him in the Democratic primary next year!)