Free Republic

(AP) BOSTON -- A proposed constitutional amendment to halt gay marriage is a step closer to making the 2008 Massachusetts ballot, but the governor-elect said Wednesday that the fight to preserve the state's unique same-sex marriage rights will continue. Lawmakers voted Tuesday to advance the proposed amendment, which would define marriage as the union between a man and woman. The measure still needs approval in the next legislative session before it can appear on the ballot, and both supporters and opponents of gay marriage promised to step up their campaigns. "This fight isn't over," said Democratic Gov.-elect Deval Patrick,...

BOSTON — Gov.-elect Deval Patrick said Thursday he will rescind a new agreement between the state and federal authorities that allows State Police troopers to arrest illegal immigrants. Speaking with reporters after a lunch meeting with state legislators, the incoming governor said he believes the troopers have enough to do already without having to also enforce immigration laws. "If I have that power, I'm going to rescind that agreement," Patrick, a Democrat, told reporters. He added: "I do believe I have that power."