Gay Activists Promise "Bloodbath" After Senate Marriage Rejection

Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Jr.

The rhetoric is ratcheted up to 11 after last week's overwhelming rejection of same-sex marriage in the state Senate, which left gay-rights activists reeling. "It's going to be a bloodbath," one gay "operative" tells the Daily News. "We're going to use every single weapon in our quiver to take these people out. We either need to replace them or scare the hell out of them so they do the right thing." Activists say they'll focus their efforts on the Democrats who they feel betrayed them, and number one on the list is Senator Joseph P. Addabbo of Queens.

Some analysts believe that because the alphabetically-advanced Addabbo voted second in the roll call, his "no" sent a message to subsequent swing voters that the measure would not pass, creating a domi-no effect. Addabbo has sought to draw a line between his personal opinion on same-sex marriage (which he refuses to divulge) and the will of his constituency. Speaking to reporters about his vote, he said:

To this day, I have kept my personal belief out of it, and it's still personal...It is my belief, and it's only my belief. I voted, again, the will of the people in my district. First and foremost, I am very thankful to everyone who got me to where I am as a state senator. I am grateful to all those in the gay community that supported me—whether it be financially or with the hours of volunteer work. I'm grateful to them, but never once did I say to anyone or any particular entity what my position was on the issue...

We could talk about it on a morality level, a religious level, a civil rights level, so there's many levels to that one issue of marriage equality, unlike what we voted on here... I pride myself on being an advocate for equal rights, but marriage equality transcends just the issue of equal rights.

Gay activists say they spent more than $1 million to help the Democrats retake the Senate, and the big money gays are now planning to support challengers against some of the eight Democrats who joined the GOP in voting no. These include Sens. Shirley Huntley and George Onorato, both of Queens, and Sen. Bill Stachowski of Buffalo. Embattled Queens Sen. Hiram Monserrate, who faces possible expulsion for assaulting his girlfriend, cast a surprise no vote; he'll be challenged by Assemblyman Jose Peralta, who is backed by party leaders and has voted for gay marriage in the past.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on December 7, 2009 10:10 AM

Comments [rss]

wingedearth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLHpjXCn67s

ides_of_march

Let the lavender jihad begin.

These are the real "teabaggers."

Mike B.

Do the marriage advocates understand that if the Republicans gain control of the Senate next year marriage equality will NEVER come up for a vote again?

Oh BS. If they get it back it will be for a term or two.

Getting the same kind of uniform support for gay marriage in the Democratic caucus is a much more realistic goal than knocking off eight more Republicans--we can't primary all eight of these fuckers out, but we can scare some sense into them. (IIRC, this tactic moved a massive number of votes in Massachusetts, enough to kill the proposed constitutional amendment.)

Until we've done so, being able to get another vote is irrelevant.

John Frum

Do the marriage advocates understand that if the Republicans gain control of the Senate next year marriage equality will NEVER come up for a vote again?

Do they understand that despite what was said about Rs being allowed a vote of conscience, Sen Libous was whipping the NO vote (hence closet case Alesi's histrionics with his head in hands)?

Do they understand the Rs voting NO en bloc was done to make themselves invisible, so marriage advocates would direct their ire and fire exclusively at Dems, a strategy that appears to be working?

Do they understand that their money would be better spent expanding the Democratic majority if they want to ensure passage of marriage equality?

Do they understand that closet case Alesi had no excuse for his vote (he was told to vote that way) and he should not be allowed a pass?

Do they intend to make Sen Robach - who portrays himself as a friend of the LGBT community and is regularly photographed at the gay rights festivities - pay a price for his two faced cravenness?

How about Senators Lavalle, Johnson, Morahan, Leibell, Saland and Bonacic who undoubtedly have many LGBT constituents and second home owners in their districts?

Do the marriage advocates have a double standard? Do they expect Democrats to do the right, moral thing and get mad (rightly) when they don't, but its okay if Republicans don't, because, well "they just aren't like the rest of us, they are immoral" ?

Who else has that been said of?

David

John, you are totally right, and the attention will return back onto the "R's", but right now I think its about betrayal. Many of those "D's", made some type of support. Even my Senator, sent me a letter inferring support and then Voted No. These Democrats are playing the political game which Im not sure they realized will backfire.

theevilone

It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Sad to say, but people have short memories. I have no doubt that they'll never get the gay vote again, but not so sure about everyone else.

Think2wice

What? No love for the backstabbing, self-serving, mass transit hating, fiscally incompetent, and allegedly self-hating misanthrope named Carl Kruger, the gutless wonder of District 27?

RevWaldo

.It is my belief, and it's only my belief. I voted, again, the will of the people in my district.

I suspect George Wallace used the same argument.

ides_of_march

Hate to break it to you, but most people aren't gay. Politicians of either party know this.

Dwayne Hoover

Jeez, nice stache... that guy looks gayer than a three-dollar bill. Can anyone say MARRIED CLOSETED SELF-HATER!

felixthecat2

He isn't closeted. He is ill-mannered and a foul person. Wouldn't be surprised to hear he takes kick-backs. Sure looks like the type.

babyhitler

you mean bloody bubble bath right? we're talking about gays here. it will be lavender scented too.

felixthecat2

Quinn headlined a fundraiser for Addabbo's senate seat run in 2008. Quinn's tears,after the bill was killed, didn't gather any sympathy instead most people stated it served her right for shoving the term limit bill down our throats. Quinn hurts the marriage equality movement.

justanothercrusader

I grew tired of the garbage Sen Ruben Diaz spews to justify his discrimination and created this video to help take back the Bible from those who think they are mullahs in a theocracy instead of our representatives: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wdQ1LkRi0s

felixthecat2

+1

S.D.

"scare the hell out of them"?

Yeah, That'll work!

Um...

longacre

It worked for Al Qaeda...remember on 9/12 when New Yorkers rushed en masse to mosques to convert to Islam? Oh, right.

Mordicai

Yeah-- representatives are supposed to be the same as popular referendums. Wait, they aren't.

S.D.

Regardless, I think it was an unwise statement.

Mordicai

Yes, I'm sure political metaphors are absolutely the same as horrifying terrorist acts. Your allegory is very apt, in that it makes you look like an apthole. That is a funny pun on "asshole." See, don't say I don't have a sense of humor.

longacre

Short of physical violence do you really think the guys in Albany are afraid of the gays? Or anyone for that matter?

felixthecat2

I hope they take out Addabbo. HE is a A-hole. I dealt with him personally on an issue that I lobbied for. I volunteered against both of his campaign (city council and senate) but the nitwits fought for him.