Before Schwarzenegger pockets the bill out of electoral fear, he might want to bone up on the lack of negative effect pro-marriage stances have had recently on governor Doyle in Wisconsin, and of course Patrick in Massachusetts.
[Doyle challenger] Green supported the constitutional ban on gay marriage…while Doyle urged no votes.
“People who are socially conservative, particularly on this issue, nonetheless regarded Doyle as a more competent governor,” said Dennis Dresang, a University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor….
About a third of voters who supported the gay marriage ban still voted for Doyle…That shows voters were able to differentiate between their feelings on the amendment and who they wanted as governor, said Mike McCabe, director of the government watchdog group the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
Btw, First Lady of WI Jessica Doyle is sponsoring “Seven Straight Nights” in Madison, WI. Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights is a national event happening October 7-13 that “will provide straight Americans with opportunities to do justice and motivate new allies to stand up and be counted for equal rights.” đŸ™‚
but considering what they assumed the mind of the wisconsin electorate to be before the last election, he went out on a limb by not advocating for the anti-gay amendment. in context, he done good. schwarzeneggar has nothing to fear by signing that bill. but to be honest, i don’t think it is fear of electability that is motivating him. i think it is fear of not getting appointed to grander things by the GOP (such as it may exist after 11/08).
Equality California is circulating an “Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to Sign the Marriage Bill” petition. To sign, go here.
To my CA relatives…