Grassroots is essential, but deep pockets helped coax passage of SSM in Albany:

This year’s nationally scrutinized battle in New York over whether to legalize gay marriage has attracted big money. One longtime Albany lobbyist describes it as a “limitless” amount of lobbying dollars and campaign contributions from gay marriage advocates.

Susan Lerner of the good-government group Common Cause says she hasn’t seen anything like the spending over gay marriage since the abortion fights of the 1970s. --AP

 

The LATimes interviewing NOM President Brian Brown on the passage of same-sex marriage in NY:

Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, vowed that in conjunction with the state's Conservative Party, his group would spend more than $1 million targeting lawmakers who supported the bill in the next election.

"All [the vote] means is that Gov. Cuomo was able to strongarm and push through, because of the weakness of some Republicans, a gay marriage bill," Brown said. "It doesn't go away and we're going to make sure the people are held accountable."

Yesterday, NOM upped its commitment to $2 million.

Sen. Saland, who told voters he opposed SSM, is now saying he will vote for gay marriage. UPDATE: here is his statement.

We will redouble our efforts. This is not yet a done deal, despite massive GOP betrayal.

Their statement, just released:

"The Bishops of New York State oppose in the strongest possible terms any attempt to redefine the sacred institution of marriage. The matter of religious exemptions has been and continues to be a secondary issue that in no way negates the fact that this bill is bad for society. We urge all Senators to vote no on Governor Cuomo's bill. Marriage has always been, is now, and always will be the union of one man and one woman in a lifelong, life-giving union. Government does not have the authority to change this most basic of truths."

Here is his official statement:

After many hours of deliberation and discussion over the past several weeks among the members, it has been decided that same sex marriage legislation will be brought to the full Senate for an up or down vote.

The entire Senate Republican Conference was insistent that amendments be made to the Governor’s original bill in order to protect the rights of religious institutions and not-for-profits  with religious affiliations.  I appreciate the Governor’s cooperation in working with us to address these important issues and concerns.

As I have said many times, this is a very difficult issue and it will be a vote of conscience for every member of the Senate.

Reuters reports Democrats --and one of the two Republican Senators who have caved and say they will support the bill - are getting worried:

Some lawmakers backing same-sex marriage in New York began voicing doubts on Friday whether a bill to legalize gay nuptials would come up for a vote before the state legislature breaks for summer recess.

... New York lawmakers were due to break for a summer recess last Monday but Cuomo asked them to remain to deal with outstanding bills. Negotiations on some of those, including rent control laws and a cap on property taxes, stalled the gay marriage issue.

... Sen. Jim Alesi of Rochester, the first of two Republican senators who have so far backed same-sex marriage, told reporters on Friday that momentum could be waning as the session dragged on.

"I'm concerned," Alesi said.

... While only one Senate Republican vote is needed, most observers say at least two or three additional votes are necessary to provide political cover, as same-sex marriage is a sensitive issue for conservative politicians.

Alesi's comment is significant because he's conferencing with the GOP right now.