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Frank Schubert: "In Final Stretch, Social Issues Can Help Romney"

October 31, 2012 at 3:00 pm

Frank Schubert, President of Mission Public Affairs and NOM's political director, writes in The Hill:

"With polls showing the presidential race to be dead even, Mitt Romney would do well to remind voters in key swing states of his position on social issues like marriage, life and religious liberty. They could tip the scale in this election.

The Karl Rove wing of the GOP and the Republican elite have succeeded in keeping social issues off the table in this general election, deeming them to be “divisive.” They’ve understandably focused their campaign on the Obama record, especially as it relates to the economy. But Obama also has a record on social issues, and that record puts him at odds with a large majority of voters in key swing states. Unfortunately, voters in those states haven’t heard much about the Obama record on marriage, life and religious liberty, and Romney himself hasn’t done much to make these issues a central part of his messaging. This is a key strategic mistake that he should remedy while he still has the chance.

Let’s look at the issue of preserving marriage as the union of one man and one woman. This issue has been on the ballot in 32 states – coast to coast, in red states and blue. It has won in all 32 states. Some of these are the very swing states that will decide the election this November. Florida passed their marriage amendment by 62 percent of the vote. North Carolina passed it with 61 percent support just this past May. Virginia passed theirs by 57 percent. And the critical state of Ohio? They passed their amendment by 62 percent of the vote. Iowa hasn’t had a chance to vote on a marriage amendment yet, but with about 55 percent of the vote they did throw three sitting Supreme Court justices off the court last election for redefining marriage there. Recent polls suggest they’re about to boot another one of the gay marriage justices..."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Law, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, Mitt Romney, Politics, President Obama, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (2)

NYTimes on the Desperate Efforts by Gay Marriage Activists For a State Win

October 31, 2012 at 2:00 pm

The New York Times paints a basically accurate picture: our opponents enjoy a huge spending advantage, months or even years of advance work, and yet less than a week before the election HRC is downplaying expectations saying even one victory and three defeats will be a "turning point" -- only an issue with as weak a track record as gay marriage could see significance in losing the majority of liberal states voting this year:

"For opponents of same-sex marriage, it has been a potent and often repeated talking point: though the courts or the legislatures of some states have given gay and lesbian couples the right to marry, wherever it has appeared on the ballot, voters have rejected it.

Gay rights advocates hope that after Tuesday’s election, no one will be able to say that any more.

With public opinion shifting in their direction, a four-to-one spending advantage and months or even years of one-on-one appeals to potential voters, rights groups see a good chance of victory in at least one or two of the four states where same-sex marriage is a ballot item this year.

Current polls indicate a solid lead for supporters in Maine and a lesser one in Washington State, while the races in Maryland and Minnesota are about even, with the opponents apparently gaining.

Even a single victory “will be a turning point,” said Chad Griffin, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, a national group promoting gay rights that has directed $5 million to the four marriage battles.

Six states and the nation’s capital have legalized marriage for gay and lesbian couples. But in 30 states, voters have limited marriage to a man and a woman through constitutional amendments; in addition, same-sex marriage has been blocked in referendums like those in California in 2008 and Maine in 2009.

Opponents of broader rights for gay and lesbian couples are mounting a barrage of advertising and telephone appeals in the final week of the campaign, warning undecided voters that “redefining marriage” would force onerous changes in schools, businesses and churches..."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Election Watch 2012, Marriage, Marriage Election Watch, Politics, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (1)

Brad Pitt Contributes $100K to Each State Voting on Marriage

October 31, 2012 at 1:30 pm

Despite his mother's very vocal support for marriage, her celebrity son Brad Pitt is donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to redesign it.

Liberal billionaires and millionaires, and Hollywood celebrities -- that's who is bankrolling gay marriage.

Don't let them drown out your voice: visit www.StandforMarriageAmerica.com today!

By NOM Staff | Posted in Culture, Marriage, Politics, Same Sex Marriage, SFMA | Comments (1)

In Washington State It's Marriage Traditionalists vs. Big Corporate Bucks

October 31, 2012 at 1:00 pm

Michael Haverluck of OneNewsNow explains the dynamics in Washington State's dueling campaigns to redesign/protect marriage:

Despite big bucks by major corporations being poured into the campaign for same-sex "marriage" in Washington State, polls continue to show that the gap for support for Democrat-backed Referendum 74 is dwindling ─ fast.

For the first time, support for Referendum 74 has dropped below 50 percent, according to the latest statewide Elway Poll.

We have gained 10 points since last month's poll and are within four points and closing in; the other side is under 50 percent for the first time," said Cedar Park Assembly of God senior pastor Rev. Joe Fuiten on his Facebook page. Pro-marriage advocates now trail 49 to 45 percent.

Fuiten's church, which recently donated $5,000 to the "No on Ref. 74" campaign, is one of the backers of a movement designed to preserve marriage's definition as the legal union between one man and one woman. So far, the pro-family campaign has received $2.1 million to fight same-sex marriage.

... But the big business climate in the Pacific Northwest is predominantly geared to fuel the homosexual agenda. Ramping up for the election, homosexual activists and corporate advocates have done all they can to garner and contribute financial support in the name of "marriage equality."

Some major corporate endorsers pushing Washington State to be the seventh state to allow same-sex marriage include: Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, Amazon, Nordstrom, Costco, REI, Nike, Alcoa, Vulcan, and Expedia, with the latter being one of the latest major big businesses to join the charge.

... Just what kind of money are we talking about? Referendum 74 has a $9.5 million campaign fund. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and his wife donated $2.5 million of this total. And more than $5 million has already been funneled to TV ads promoting the redefinition of marriage.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Corporate Ethics, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (4)

Joe Biden: Transgender Discrimination Is "The Civil Rights Issue Of Our Time"

October 31, 2012 at 12:30 pm

Look out gay marriage advocates, there's a new civil rights issue of our time, according to Biden:

Vice President Joe Biden said transgender discrimination is "the civil rights issue of our time" during a visit to a Florida field office on Tuesday, according to pool reports.

Biden was meeting with volunteers at an Obama for America office in Sarasota, Fla., when he singled out one woman "who he thought had beautiful eyes," reads the pool report. The woman said something to Biden that was inaudible to the pool reporter, but Biden responded to her by saying it was the "civil rights issue of our time."

The woman, Linda Carragher Bourne of Sarasota, later said her daughter was Miss Trans New England and that she had asked Biden if he would help them.

"A lot of my friends are being killed, and they don't have the civil rights yet. These guys are gonna make it happen," Bourne told the reporter.

The vice president has been an ally to the LGBT community. He told gay rights advocates in August that they are "freeing the soul of the American people." --Huffington Post

By NOM Staff | Posted in News | Comments (4)

Dennis Prager: "Why a Good Person Can Vote Against Same-Sex Marriage"

October 31, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio host, writes in TownHall:

"...The history of left-wing policies has largely consisted of doing what feels good and compassionate without asking what the long-term consequences will be; what Professor Thomas Sowell calls "Stage One Thinking." That explains, for example, the entitlement state. It sounds noble and seems noble. But the long-term consequences are terrible: economic ruin, a demoralized population, increasing selfishness as people look to the state to take care of their fellow citizens, and more.By redefining marriage to include same sex couples we are playing with sexual and societal fire. Just as the entitlement state passes on the cost of our good intentions to our children and grandchildren - unsustainable dependency and debt -- so, too, same-sex marriage will pass along the consequences of our good intentions to our children and grandchildren - gender confusion and the loss of motherhood and fatherhood as values, just to cite two obvious consequences.

It is not enough to mean well in life. One must also do well. And the two are frequently not the same thing.

There are reasons no moral thinker in history ever advocated same-sex marriage."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Culture, Marriage, Media, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (2)

Santorum: Stand Up for Marriage and Families this November

October 31, 2012 at 11:00 am

Rick Santorum writes that "wedded bliss helps prevent poverty" in the Washington Times:

Since the 2008 presidential campaign, when then-Sen. Barack Obama told the Rev. Rick Warren that he supported traditional marriage defined as the union of “one man and one woman,” the president’s position on this topic has “evolved,” and now, of course, has reversed.

Indeed, Mr. Obama not only has strayed quite a distance from his original position, he has done everything he can to undermine traditional marriage. What’s more, he has sat by idly while activist judges have decided how marriage should be defined. This is bad for marriage and bad for America.

The president’s refusal to defend marriage at the federal level has been an abdication of his constitutional responsibility to execute and enforce the law. He has signaled clearly that if re-elected in November, he will continue this abuse of power to redefine marriage.

The people of Maryland, Minnesota, Washington and Maine have the opportunity to affirm core traditional American values by voting to support traditional marriage on Election Day, Nov. 6. Voters in those states can join the 31 other states that have voted “yes” to preserving marriage through a state constitutional amendment, honoring marriage between a man and a woman now and for future generations.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Culture, Economics, Marriage, Mitt Romney, Politics, President Obama, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (1)

Minneapolis Attorney Responds to Common Arguments Against Protecting Marriage

October 31, 2012 at 10:00 am

Tim Regan is a Minnesota attorney who capably makes the case for laws protecting marriage:

"...If you think that the two opposing sides in the marriage debate are talking past each other, you are right. The reason for this is that they are operating from completely different and incompatible models defining the essence of marriage.

The traditional model defines marriage as the lifelong commitment, made by two persons of the opposite sex, to support each other and the children that are the product of their physical union. Marriage as a legal status is based on the physical relationship between a man and a woman, which is based on human biology, which if left to its natural course normally results in children. Society confers this status because of its compelling interest in children.

The revisionist model holds that marriage should not be limited by human biology or reproduction. "Oppositeness," the revisionists say, is not required for a fulfilling sexual relationship; therefore, it should not be required for marriage. People who love each other ought to be given the freedom to marry. Marriage should thus be redefined as a union of hearts and minds: Love should be the only criterion.

It is difficult to understand, however, why unions of hearts and minds need government regulation. The state has no compelling interest in licensing friendships." -- StarTribune

By NOM Staff | Posted in Debating Marriage, Law, Marriage, Minnesota, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (2)

NOM, Others, Investing Resources to Oust Wiggins in Iowa

October 31, 2012 at 9:00 am

Omaha.com:

Out-of-state money is flowing into Iowa in an attempt to oust Iowa Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins for his 2009 vote in a ruling that legalized same-sex marriage.

Among the big spenders are the National Organization for Marriage, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that has worked to defeat same-sex marriage proposals, and a political action committee founded by former Pennsylvania GOP Sen. Rick Santorum.

“I think there (are) a lot of organizations ... who see the threat of judicial activism as really having a negative impact on the family,” said Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The Family Leader, one of the organizations opposing Wiggins' retention.

... The National Organization for Marriage, for instance, spent more than $635,000 two years ago. This year, reports indicate the group has spent about $140,000, most of it on television ads advocating Wiggins' ouster."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Iowa, Law, Marriage, Politics, Same Sex Marriage, United for Marriage | Comments (3)

Matthew Franck on Mark Regnerus and the Storm over the New Family Structures Study

October 31, 2012 at 8:00 am

Matthew Franck's first part in a two part series for the Public Discourse where he argues "Attacks on sociologist Mark Regnerus after he challenged the “no differences” thesis haven’t obscured the high quality of the New Family Structures Study or its troubling findings":

Seldom has the publication of a dry, factual report in sociology caused such a storm of controversy. In June 2012, the bimonthly peer-reviewed journal Social Science Research published an article by University of Texas sociologist Mark Regnerus titled, “How different are the children of parents who have same-sex relationships? Findings from the New Family Structures Study.” The answer to his title’s question was: quite a bit different, and most of the differences are not good.

Within minutes, it seemed, Professor Regnerus, a gifted and highly productive scholar with two previous books published on related subjects, was denounced as “anti-gay,” attacked personally and professionally, and his thoughtful, measured research conclusions were buried under an avalanche of invective, abuse, and misunderstanding. For the remainder of the summer months, Regnerus withstood an onslaught of criticism, but as the autumn arrived, it became clear that his reputation and the soundness of his research had been vindicated.

What had happened? [Continue reading...]

By NOM Staff | Posted in Children, Culture, Marriage, Parenting, Research/Study, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

Help Finish the Job in New York!

October 30, 2012 at 8:25 pm

Dear Marriage Supporter,

I am writing to update you on the state of the race in New York, and to ask for your urgent support to help get the job done. Please make a generous donation to the NOM PAC NY today to help us push across the finish line in several key races that will send a message across the nation.

* * * * *

Fifteen months ago, when turncoat politicians pushed same-sex marriage through behind closed doors in the dark of night, we promised that we would not stop until marriage was restored in New York.

And the first order of business was to hold accountable the seven turncoat senators who imposed same-sex marriage on the state.

With your help, we have already come a long way! Four of the seven have already been defeated, and the remaining three are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in a desperate attempt to save their careers.

James Alesi. Roy McDonald. Carl Kruger. Shirley Huntley. Mark Grisanti. Stephen Saland. Joseph Addabbo.

Please click here to help get the job done with a generous gift of $30, $50, or even $500 to the NOM PAC New York today!

James Alesi—despite earlier boasts—saw the handwriting on the wall and decided to retire rather than face voters.
In May, NOM helped elect pro-marriage David Storobin to replace disgraced Senator Carl Kruger in a special election.
Last month, for the first time in more than fifty years, a sitting Republican senator in New York was defeated in a primary election when Kathy Marchione defeated Roy McDonald.
Neil Di Carlo nearly pulled off a similar upset despite being outspent nearly 30-1 in his campaign against Steve Saland—and Di Carlo is still in the race on the Conservative Party line with a chance to pull off an election day upset.
Also last month, NOM helped pro-marriage candidate James Sanders defeat Shirley Huntley in the Democratic Party primary.

Election day is just a week away, and many New Yorkers are digging out from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy. But upstate, Mark Grisanti is trying to buy his way to victory in a four-way race. His chief pro-marriage opponent, NOM-backed Conservative Party candidate Charles Swanick, greatly needs our support in these final days to prevent a Grisanti victory.

In the Hudson valley, Neil Di Carlo is in a tight rematch with Stephen Saland—except this time Saland has a Democratic opponent who is expected to draw some of Saland's primary supporters, giving Di Carlo a clear shot at Saland's senate seat.

And in an under-reported race, the latest polls show Joseph Addabo stuck at 45% support against his Republican challenger just weeks before election day.

* * * * *

We have accomplished much together already, and there are critical races all across the nation this November, but perhaps none would send a more resounding message than for us to prove to the world that a politicians' vote for same-sex marriage is a career-ending vote, even in a deep blue state like New York.

I know there are many requests for your support right now, but I hope you will make the most generous gift you can to help finish the job in New York. Whether it's $25 or $2500, your support is key to our success in taking back New York. Please stand with us today!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Marriage Election Watch, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments Off

NewsMax: "Gay Marriage Ballots Likely to Increase Turnout in Four States"

October 30, 2012 at 4:00 pm

NewsMax/AFP:

Gay marriage is taking center stage on the ballot in four states and the explosive issue is expected to bring more people out to vote as groups for and against same-sex marriage pump millions of dollars into eleventh-hour lobbying efforts.

In Minnesota, a ballot initiative would ban same-sex marriage by way of a constitutional amendment, while in Maine, Maryland and Washington, the initiatives allow voters to decide whether to approve such unions.

“I do understand and accept that there are other patterns for families. However the basic prescription for marriage, I embrace it as a biblical prescription. A man and a woman,’’ Marlaa Reid of Baltimore told CNN.

She and her husband The Rev. Frank Reid of Bethel AME Church are working in their community to defeat the initiative.

"It does not mean that we don't love our gay, lesbian and transgender brothers and sisters," Frank Reid added. “It means that we don't take our direction from the president, whoever he or she may be. It is a reminder to us that God loves the sinner, but hates the sin.’’

While Bethel AME and many other churches around the country are spearheading low-budget, word-of-mouth campaigns to get their messages out, a number of powerful conservative groups have large war chests in place to get more voters to the polls to defeat gay marriage.

The Knights of Columbus, a Roman Catholic organization, says it has shelled out $6 million or more in the past seven years since 2005 to promote its opposition to gay marriage rights.

And the National Organization for Marriage has a $2 million matching grant challenge on its website, as well as an ad running in Minnesota that declares: “Everyone has a right to love who they chose, but nobody has a right to redefine marriage.’’

“Having a measure on the ballot increases turnout by a few points because it gets people more engaged in the issues and gets them to come out and vote,’’ Jennie Drage Bowser, who analyzes ballot measures at the National Conference of State Legislatures,’’ told Agence France Presse.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Maine, Marriage, Maryland, Minnesota, Politics, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (1)

PMW: Pro R-74 (Gay Marriage) Camp Continues Using Discredited Mailer

October 30, 2012 at 3:00 pm

Preserve Marriage Washington on more misleading mailers from our cash-flushed opponents in Washington:

"Even though a campaign mailer was criticized by the news media as “misleading” and failing the “political smell test” when it targeted senior citizens in western Washington, gay marriage activists have sent it to seniors in the eastern part of the state anyway. The flyer, which recently hit mailboxes in the Tri-Cities and Spokane areas, suggests that if R-74 is rejected “many seniors would lose hard-earned health care, military or pension benefits” or “have to pay higher taxes on their Social Security benefits.” That is not true. See the mailer here.

That mailer was called “misleading” by The Tacoma News Tribune and The Olympian, both of which indicated the ad failed the “political smell test.”

... “The news media blew the whistle on gay marriage activists when they tried this deceitful ploy in western Washington. Now, they are trying to pull one over on seniors in the eastern part of the state,” said Chip White, Preserve Marriage Washington Communications Director.

Calling this “a Pinocchio-style lie,” White added, “This is a scare tactic that stirs up fear on the part of seniors. Gay marriage supporters need to stop trying to trick senior citizens. Shame on them.”

By NOM Staff | Posted in Ethics, Marriage, Same Sex Marriage, Washington | Comments (1)

One Week Left!

October 30, 2012 at 2:45 pm

Marriage Supporter,

I've got good news and bad news.

First, the bad news: we now have less than a week to meet our critical election budget and we're still well short of our target.

Your support in these final days is critical to the success of our voter turnout efforts that will make the difference between winning or losing close races across the country.

Unless Christians, marriage supporters, and people of faith step up their donations right now, we will be greatly outspent in this final week by Obama's billion-dollar campaign apparatus, Hollywood celebrity pals, and rich gay "marriage" elites.

Unless our supporters immediately step up their pro-marriage contributions, we will not be able to fund our final get-out-the-vote push and voter contact effort that we have prepared for the critical swing states that will determine this election.

So will you contribute $50, $100, or more today, in order to help us close the gap to defend marriage in these critical days before the election?

Marriage Supporter, you need to stand with us today or "one man and one man" will be imposed on faithful Americans across the nation. It's that simple.

But I promised you good news, too—and here it is: thanks to a 2-for-1, million dollar matching grant challenge, we still have a chance to close this dangerous budget shortfall and spoil the election night celebrations that gay marriage lobbyists have been planning for months!

So please contribute $50, $100, or more right now—and every dollar you give for marriage will be tripled to maximize its effectiveness.

Let's use this one-shot opportunity to get every pro-marriage voter to the polls, and ruin the election night parties for Barack Obama and his gay marriage lobbyist pals!

By Brian Brown | Posted in Marriage Election Watch, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (7)

Maine Opponents of Question 1 (Gay Marriage) Raise Almost $1M in Final Weeks

October 30, 2012 at 2:00 pm

We're closing the gap in Maine!

The Morning Sentinel:

Opponents of same-sex marriage raised nearly $950,000 in October, a major push toward the end of the campaign as voters get ready to head to the polls Nov. 6.

The bulk of the money came from the National Organization for Marriage, which donated $800,000, and the Knights of Columbus, which chipped in $100,000, according to a campaign finance report filed with the state just before midnight Friday.

The influx of money brings the total for Protect Marriage Maine, the leading political action committee opposing gay marriage, to $1.4 million.

That compares to $4.3 million raised this year by Mainers United for Marriage, the primary group in support of Question 1, which brought in about $964,000 in the period from Oct. 1 to Oct. 23.

... In Maine, recent polls show support for gay marriage ranging from 52 percent to 57 percent. However, gay-marriage opponents have amped up television advertisements in recent days to try to chip away at that margin, which they believe to be below 50 percent support.