Just hours after President Barack Obama publicly backed gay marriage, the House struck back and passed a measure aimed at reinforcing the Defense of Marriage Act.
With a 245-171 vote, the House voted to stop the Justice Department from using taxpayer funds to actively oppose DOMA — the Clinton-era law defining marriage as between a man and a woman that the Obama administration stopped enforcing in February 2011.
“It is not President Obama’s prerogative to decide which laws matter and which do not, nor his right to challenge constitutional amendments duly passed by the various states,” said the measure’s sponsor, Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.). “The Justice Department is duty-bound to enforce DOMA and to not do so is a flagrant disregard for the Constitution and for the rule of law.”
U.S. House Strikes Back on Gay Marriage: Reaffirms DOMA
Hot Air: "Black Voters in NC Supported Marriage Amendment by 2-1 Margin"
Ed Morriseey at Hot Air:
If the President expects to get a boost at the ballot box over his flip-flop on same-sex marriage, the composition of North Carolina’s vote on Tuesday might indicate a big problem in his strategy. Obama came out publicly against Amendment One, which shifted the state’s ban on same-sex marriage from statute to constitutional amendment, and opponents railed against the loss as a victory for bigotry. However, that message might not sell well in the Tarheel State or in other swing states when black voters supported the constitutional ban by a 2-1 margin:
African-Americans voted 2-1 in favor of the North Carolina amendment banning gay marriage Tuesday, but the White House is betting that black voters there and beyond will stick with the president, despite broad resistance to legalization.
While there’s faith that African-Americans will turn out strong at the polls to protect Obama’s legacy, pollsters point out that while opposition to same-sex marriages has fallen in the black community, it’s still just a point shy of 50 percent — enough to affect black turnout, at least theoretically, in an election where every vote will matter.
Obama’s statement rocked the political world. But it also underscored a widely-held belief that African-American voters are closer to Republicans than Democrats when it comes to gay marriage.
That’s a big problem for Obama in North Carolina, because as Politico’s Joseph Williams points out, African-American turnout was key in winning the state for Obama in 2008. Obama only won by 14,000 votes in that race, and so even a small level of dropoff in voter turnout in this demographic would be deadly to Team Obama’s hopes to retain North Carolina.
Bob Marshall For Senate: Does Tim Kaine Agree with Obama on SSM?
The aftershocks of Obama's flip flop on marriage are already hitting swing state Senate races:
Delegate Bob Marshall demanded today (Wednesday) that ex-Gov. Tim Kaine, the Democrats’ presumptive U.S. Senate candidate, tell the public his views about President Obama’s support of gay marriage.
“Tim Kaine needs to make clear to Virginia’s voters whether he agrees or disagrees with the president,” Marshall, Republican candidate for the Senate and author of the 2006 Marriage Amendment to Virginia’s constitution, said.
...Marshall authored the Marriage Amendment to Virginia’s constitution, which voters approved in a referendum, 57% to 43%, in the Nov. 7, 2006, general election. It provides that only a union between one man and one woman is valid and recognized as a marriage in Virginia. Kaine, as governor, vehemently opposed Marshall’s proposal when it was before the Virginia General Assembly and then during the 2006 election campaign. Voters made it part of Virginia’s constitution though opponents outspent proponents nearly 5 to 1 campaigning against it. -- Bob Marshall for U.S. Senate
Politico On Obama's "Seven States of Grief" for Supporting SSM
Don't take it from us, take it from Politico -- Obama's support of same-sex marriage is going to hurt him in key swing states:
If there’s been one constant over the course of President Barack Obama’s evolution on gay marriage, it’s this: The White House’s keen awareness of the radioactive politics of the issue.
Obama aides fretted that delay would dent his new-breed brand, and likewise that plunging in could weigh him down in battleground states. They even hatched a plan to announce his support just prior to the Democratic National Convention — a characteristically all-in-good-time solution that acknowledged the minefield he was walking through.
And the White House is right to be concerned.
No doubt, Obama gets some political pluses out of supporting same-sex marriage Wednesday — energizing LGBT voters and donors, adding a new line to his Mitt Romney’s-a-throwback brief, kick-starting college turnout or in simply reminding people that yes, he came to Washington to do big things.
But for all the polls showing movement toward greater public acceptance of gay marriage, for all the signs of increased tolerance and changing mores, there’s one undeniable fact: A full embrace of gay rights has never been a winner in the political arena.
Fifteen years of ballot measures in more than 30 states from coast-to-coast show an issue that has been rejected nearly every time it’s gone before the voters — often by large margins.
Here are seven states where Obama just bought himself headaches with his historic decision to back gay marriage...
They are: North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Nevada, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio.
Senate Leader Harry Reid Endorses Gay Marriage
Steve Rothaus at a Miami Herald blog:
Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid [D-NV] issued the following statement today following President Obama’s announcement of support for marriage equality.
“My personal belief is that marriage is between a man and a woman. But in a civil society, I believe that people should be able to marry whomever they want, and it’s no business of mine if two men or two women want to get married. The idea that allowing two loving, committed people to marry would have any impact on my life, or on my family’s life, always struck me as absurd.“In talking with my children and grandchildren, it has become clear to me they take marriage equality as a given. I have no doubt that their view will carry the future.
SSM Will Cost Obama Re-election Bid
Dear Marriage Supporter,
The media is abuzz with the news that President Obama has publicly endorsed same-sex marriage.
Many see political calculation. The Washington Post suggests a financial connection, noting that 1 in 6 of Obama's top fundraisers are gay or lesbian.
Others are calling the announcement a profile in courage—a claim more convincing had it not been preceded by two years of suggestive "evolution" and three days of awkward damage control over Vice President Biden's remarks this past weekend.
After months of trying to have it both ways, the charade is over. President Obama has opposed every state marriage amendment, despite claiming to support the right of states to decide the issue. He opposes a federal constitutional amendment that would protect states' right to define marriage. And his administration is trying to dismantle state marriage laws by refusing to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court.
The strategy is clear: The Obama campaign is beholden to gay marriage financiers and is counting on an energized base to carry him to victory this November. But it's an approach that is likely to backfire, alienating large parts of the constituency that carried him to victory in 2008.
- No state in this country has ever voted for same-sex marriage, a string of 32 consecutive defeats for same-sex marriage activists.
- Two days ago, swing state voters in North Carolina rejected same-sex marriage by a 22-point margin, with support from nearly half the state's Democratic voters.
- The African American church has become a powerful force in the fight to protect marriage, with Black voters opposing same-sex marriage by 2-1 margins.
- President Obama's announcement is likely to spark a divisive battle over same-sex marriage in the Democratic Party platform this summer.
- Same-sex marriage will be a defining issue in swing states, especially states like Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Nevada where state marriage amendments are threatened by President Obama's position.
Yesterday's announcement further highlights the contrast between President Obama and Governor Romney, and we commend Governor Romney for his bold and outspoken commitment to marriage.
With high stakes come great opportunity. North Carolina voters just sent a strong message that Americans want to defend marriage. Now is our opportunity to build on that momentum.
We intend to win the marriage debate this November. I hope you'll stand with us.
In order to win marriage in November, the state campaigns in Minnesota, Maryland, Maine and Washington need your prayers and support today.
We have a short window to raise funds that are desperately needed by the state campaigns.
In Washington and Maryland we have just a few weeks left to collect the tens of thousands of signatures needed to ensure that voters have the chance to decide this issue. The need is urgent. I hope you will make a generous gift to Stand for Marriage America today!
NOM's Peters: North Carolina Tells Us There is an "Unshakeable Majority of Americans Firmly Wedded to the Idea of Marriage"
NOM's Thomas Peters in MSNBC:
"...Fresh off their win in North Carolina, opponents of gay marriage are pushing forward to enact similar constitutional amendments in more states this fall – and to actually override pro-gay marriage legislation in two others.
Foes of gay marriage now have won 31 popular votes on the issue, and they hope to extend their gains with ballot initiatives in Minnesota, Maine, Washington and Maryland.
“North Carolina once again reminds us that there is an unshakeable majority of Americans firmly wedded to the idea of traditional marriage,” said Thomas Peters, cultural director of the National Organization for Marriage. “We look forward to seeing that movement grow in the months ahead.”
With North Carolina voters approving a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage by more than 20 percentage points, 38 states now have statutory or constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage. That does not include California, where a federal court has overturned its constitutional amendment, known as Prop. 8 – a decision that has been appealed and could make it to the U.S. Supreme Court. Same-sex marriage is legal in eight states, plus the District of Columbia.
Cardinal Dolan: President Obama's Remarks on Marriage "Deeply Saddening"
Timothy Cardinal Dolan is Archbishop of New York and President of the US Bishops:
President Obama’s comments today in support of the redefinition of marriage are deeply saddening. As I stated in my public letter to the President on September 20, 2011, the Catholic Bishops stand ready to affirm every positive measure taken by the President and the Administration to strengthen marriage and the family. However, we cannot be silent in the face of words or actions that would undermine the institution of marriage, the very cornerstone of our society. The people of this country, especially our children, deserve better. Unfortunately, President Obama’s words today are not surprising since they follow upon various actions already taken by his Administration that erode or ignore the unique meaning of marriage. I pray for the President every day, and will continue to pray that he and his Administration act justly to uphold and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. May we all work to promote and protect marriage and by so doing serve the true good of all persons. -- USCCB
New York Daily News: "State Sen. Jim Alesi: Gay Marriage Vote Sunk Me"
One of the four state Senate Republicans who broke ranks to vote for New York’s gay marriage bill last year will not seek reelection this fall.
Sen. James Alesi (R-Rochester) told the Daily News Wednesday night that he believes his vote in favor of the landmark gay marriage legislation would have severely hampered his chances in a GOP primary this year.
He said the vote — which passed 33-29 due to the GOP defectors — cost him the support of the leadership of the local Republican and Conservative parties. They are now backing his primary opponent.
“I’ve gotten a lot of support from Democrats and the gay community, but unfortunately they can’t vote in a Republican primary,” said Alesi, now in his eighth term.
... Believing that his political brand was weakened by the gay marriage vote, Alesi said he decided to step aside out of fear that a bruising primary would eventually cost the GOP his seat — and with it potentially the party’s razor-thin Senate majority.
Breaking News: Sen. Alesi Chooses to Step Down Instead of Face Voters Angered by His Marriage Flip Flop
Sen. Jim Alesi apparently saw the writing on the wall and realized his vote for SSM had already ended his political career:
During an exclusive interview on Capital Tonight, Republican Sen. Jim Alesi made a surprise announcement: He has decided not to seek re-election in his Rochester-area district.
Alesi sparked controversy when he became the first Republican to publicly support same sex marriage last year.
... Conservatives and many Republicans in his district have been eyeing Alesi’s seat. And Democrats in the district also felt he was vulnerable and could be defeated.
When the senator sat down with Liz Benjamin tonight he said he thought an intra party battle could cost the Republicans the majority. And he decided to step aside for the good of the conference and the party because he has lost support from local GOP committees and was widely expected to face a primary challenge from Assemblyman Sean Hanna.
...He said he’s unlikely to leave public life entirely, and joked that with his liberal views on social issues, he could perhaps move to Manhattan and run for office where he’d be more likely to get elected. -- Capital Tonight
HRC Denies Wrongdoing in IRS Leak, But Offers No Proof
A spokesman for the gay rights group Human Rights Campaign didn't respond to the question of whether or not authorities had contacted the group after reports that Sen. Orrin Hatch had called for an IRS investigation into the leaked National Organization for Marriage tax documents that HRC obtained earlier this spring."NOM's charges of illegal conduct by HRC are absolutely false," HRC's vice president of communications Fred Sainz told BuzzFeed. "Last month, HRC lawfully obtained and disseminated truthful information about NOM's racial-wedge strategy and secret donors. Noticeably absent from NOM's allegations is any awareness of First Amendment freedoms. Embarrassed that its true agenda is out in the open, NOM has launched a crusade to intimidate and suppress those who are revealing its anti-LGBT mission. HRC has no intention of helping NOM to suppress the truth."
... The Daily Caller reported today that Utah senator Orrin Hatch wrote a letter to the IRS commissioner asking for an investigation into the documents leak:
"Evidence suggests that the IRS may have been the source of the unauthorized disclosure of donor information," Hatch wrote in the letter, calling the leak "a matter that I take with the utmost seriousness, and I expect that you will treat this inquiry with the attention that it deserves.”
HRC distributed the documents, but it's not clear how they obtained them. -- BuzzFeed
Rick Santorum Responds to Obama: "I Will Continue to Fight the Cultural Elites"
Rick Santorum responds, via CNN:
Former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum: "The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public. President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level. The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton's Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court. The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election. Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage – the basic building block of our society. I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don't further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society."
Republican Senators Respond to Obama's Marriage Flip Flop
Via CNN:
Sen. Orrin Hatch, Republican of Utah: "I'm glad the President finally laid out his position to the American people, but changing the definition of marriage is not something I can support. The sanctity of marriage is not to be taken lightly. Sanctioned by God, this sacred union between a man and a woman must be respected, preserved, and fostered as the foundation for healthy and prosperous families and communities."
Sen. Chuck Grassley, Republican of Iowa: "I support traditional marriage. I voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed into law by President Clinton. It defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman and prevents states from being forced to honor the decisions of other state courts. I also voted twice in 2006, in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor, for a joint resolution that would have amended the federal Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. The President's announcement today and his flip-flopping on the issue aren't surprising given the White House being entirely focused on political advantage for the November election right now and the demands of the President's political base and supporters. However, the majority of voters in every state who've had a chance to have their say with a referendum on same-sex marriage have voted against it. In Iowa, voters responded to the state Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage by ousting the justices. There also doesn't seem to be support for the President's position in the Senate since the Democratic majority hasn't brought up the issue for a vote, and you have to assume the leaders would if the votes were there."
Sen. Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, asked by CNN Congressional Correspondent Kate Bolduan for his reaction: "I thought he already did. That's what Joe Biden said. So he now agrees with his vice president." Asked "So, what's your reaction?" Rubio said: "I've disagreed with him on that position. I agreed with the old Barack Obama."
RNC Chairman Responds to Obama: "We Call for a Constitutional Amendment on Marriage"
CNN’s responses to Obama’s marriage announcement includes this one, from Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus:
“Because our children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage, we call for a constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage as a union of a man and a woman, so that judges cannot make other arrangements equivalent to it. In the absence of a national amendment, we support the right of the people of the various states to affirm traditional marriage through state initiatives. Republicans recognize the importance of having in the home a father and a mother who are married. The two-parent family still provides the best environment of stability, discipline, responsibility, and character. Children in homes without fathers are more likely to commit a crime, drop out of school, become violent, become teen parents, use illegal drugs, become mired in poverty, or have emotional or behavioral problems. We support the courageous efforts of single-parent families to provide a stable home for their children. Children are our nation’s most precious resource. We also salute and support the efforts of foster and adoptive families. Republicans have been at the forefront of protecting traditional marriage laws, both in the states and in Congress. A Republican Congress enacted the Defense of Marriage Act, affirming the right of states not to recognize same-sex marriages licensed in other states.
“Unbelievably, the Democratic Party has now pledged to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which would subject every state to the redefinition of marriage by a judge without ever allowing the people to vote on the matter. We also urge Congress to use its Article III, Section 2 power to prevent activist federal judges from imposing upon the rest of the nation the judicial activism in Massachusetts and California. We also encourage states to review their marriage and divorce laws in order to strengthen marriage. As the family is our basic unit of society, we oppose initiatives to erode parental rights.”
NOM's Marriage Pledge, which Mitt Romney has signed, includes a pledge to support a federal marriage amendment.
VICTORY!!! And an exciting new opportunity!
Dear Marriage Supporter,
I'm in Raleigh today, still celebrating last night's amazing victory! What a privilege to be here with the Vote for Marriage NC Team last night as the election returns came in, and it became clear that the Marriage Protection Amendment was on track for a commanding victory.
Congratulations to Tami Fitzgerald, whose leadership made last night's victory possible, to my good friend and campaign manager Frank Schubert of Mission: Public Affairs, and to the dedicated volunteers (including many of you receiving this email!) whose tireless efforts made victory a reality.
It has truly been an honor to serve on the Executive Committee and be a part of this campaign.
61% to 39%!
Just days ago, gay marriage advocates were predicting victory, and the mainstream media was only too happy to play along with their campaign of deception and misinformation. But once again—thanks to your help!—we were able to prove the pundits wrong as voters approved the Marriage Protection Amendment in a 22-point blowout.
Even while we celebrate, I'm sobered by the enormous task that remains before us. Four more states will vote on marriage this November. In Maryland and Washington, we are just days away from critical signature gathering deadlines. And our opponents always have seemingly limitless resources to pour into these state battles.
Over the past several months, NOM was able to contribute $425,000 to the North Carolina campaign. But the simple reality is that we can't match that level of financial support in four states this November.
And the stakes just got even higher with President Obama's announcement today that he publicly supports same-sex marriage.
That's why we're launching Stand for Marriage America.
Through Stand for Marriage America, you can make a single contribution, and know that it will go directly to the four state campaigns in Minnesota, Maine, Maryland, and Washington State. With just a few clicks of the mouse, 25% of your gift (or any portion you allocate) will go to each of the state campaigns fighting to protect marriage this November. All you need to do is to enter the total amount you are able to contribute, and Stand for Marriage will send a check to each of the four campaigns!
Please help us launch this initiative and come out of the gate strong by making a generous donation toady! This November, Minnesota, Maine, Maryland and Washington State each have the opportunity to share in North Carolina's success, defending marriage and sending a powerful statement to politicians and judges across the country: the American people know what marriage is—the union of one man and one woman.
Each of these state campaigns is in dire need of financial support, relying primarily on grassroots volunteer efforts while gay marriage activists pour millions of dollars into the states to fund massive phone, email, online and TV ad campaigns. In the next few days, we will need to assess our status in Maryland and Washington to be sure we have more than enough signatures to put the marriage referenda on the ballot.
That's why I'm challenging you today to make a generous gift to Stand for Marriage America. Over the next 3 days, NOM will match every dollar you contribute, up to $100,000! With your help, together we can give each of the four state campaigns an immediate, and much-needed infusion of $50,000.
Two weeks ago, we saw the North Carolina polls begin to slip as opponents launched their massive advertising campaign. For the first time I was worried that the amendment might not pass. But despite being outspent nearly 2-1, thanks to your help, the North Carolina campaign was able to skillfully refute the opposition's deception with well-documented truth in the campaign's final days.
A special thanks to each of you who stepped up to help make this victory possible. We are counting on you, and tens of thousands of your fellow Americans, to step up and make victory in November across the nation—Northeast, Midwest, Atlantic Coast and West Coast—a reality, too.
The bar is set high...32 out of 32 states have now voted to protect marriage, and defeat in any one of these four states will be loudly and repeatedly trumpeted in the media as evidence that the American people are changing their views on marriage.
We simply can't afford to let any one of these campaigns fail for lack of resources. And that's why I'm so excited about this latest new opportunity.
Stand for Marriage America gives YOU the power to help ensure victory in all four states this November.
If you care about marriage, I urge you to join Stand for Marriage America with a generous gift today. In the next 12-18 months, the Supreme Court will be hearing arguments on the constitutionality of DOMA and California's Proposition 8.
Our opponents know how hesitant the Supreme Court will be to overturn the unanimous verdict of 35 consecutive state votes on marriage...but if we lose in any of the four states this November, it will put the marriage laws of 44 states in jeopardy.
Thank you for making last night's dramatic victory possible, and I hope you'll visit Stand for Marriage America to make a generous gift today! Remember, NOM will match every dollar raised over the next 3 days up to $100,000!
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