Posted on 09/07/2005 7:46:21 PM PDT by SmithL
SACRAMENTO -- For Assemblyman Simon Salinas — a moderate, middle-ground hugging Democrat — deciding how to vote on the gay marriage bill was a stark proposition.
"On the one hand, the people have voted for Prop. 22; they've said that marriage is between a man and a woman," Salinas, who is considering a run for higher office, said Wednesday. "On the other, I've always been a strong supporter of civil rights. Sometimes you just have to make unpopular decision. I just figured it was time."
Salinas, from the Monterey County town of the same name, was one of three lawmakers who tipped the vote in favor of the measure Tuesday, making the California Legislature the first in the nation to pass a bill allowing same-sex marriages.
Along with Assemblyman Tom Umberg and Assemblywoman Gloria Negrete McLeod, Salinas abstained from voting on the issue the first time the Assembly took it up in June. Two months later, each of the lawmakers described their switch to 'aye' votes as decisions of conscience made under the weight of intense political pressure.
All three are facing the end of their Assembly terms and are looking to run for the state Senate. Each will need the votes of Hispanics and blacks, Democratic constituencies more likely to oppose gay marriage than other Democrats.
"They were courageous to vote the way they did," said Allan Hoffenblum, a Republican political consultant. "They did in fact cast a vote that is contrary to the opinion of a large number of voters in their party."
Umberg, D-Anaheim, is running for Senate in Orange County and said he came to his decision after being turned off by the overblown rhetoric on both sides.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Send em packing. How is pandering to the Gay Left lobby in the People's Republic of California courageous?
Bullshite. The people already made the decision. You countermanded them, against their will.
It's obvious the dems don't believe the majority matters. Not only did they not get the message when over 60% of californians voted no on gay marriage 5 years ago, that wasn't enough of a sign to them about what the majority wants, they pushed this bill with no republicans in attendance to vote yes or no. I rank this with iraq elections under Saddam where his name was the only one on the ballot. Democrats love these kind of votes and elections. The majority isn't represented.
The fact that they tried to pull this during one of this countries worst disasters shows truely how low they are willing to stoop.
Why even participate in the sham of voting anymore in California. Seems to me things should be decided whether they are legal or illegal...Constitutional or Unconsitutional BEFORE people go to the polls. What a farce.
I thought they already were packing.
Civil rights? What civil rights? Is there a Civil Right for marriage?
Arnold, I believe, on Brit's show? announced he would veto it in deference to the majority.
IMO, if he stays true to his word, he made the right choice. It won't win him favors with Reps to sign this bill. Black & Hispanics in majority don't approve of gay marriage. Some blue collar Dems are against it. This is why the measure passed in a Dem state in the first place.
Telling the People to get bent. Such a hero.
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