Diaz: Where Are Gov. Paterson's Gay Friends?

According to Pentecostal minister and state Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., Gov. Paterson's campaign isn't in trouble because he's unpopular and has no money. Diaz claims that the Governor is in trouble because of gay marriage. "Where is the gay community now that the Governor needs them?" asked Diaz, who did everything he could to defeat same-sex marriage legislation last year.

Diaz—who fought gay marriage even though he has two gay brothers—claims Paterson should have the support of gay voters because he pushed for marriage equality. In a statement published on his own website and reported on by the Observer, Diaz notes:

I remember back on Sunday May 17, 2009, I organized a demonstration of tens of thousands people in front of Governor David Paterson’s Manhattan office to protest his staunch support for gay marriage and the Governor stood by the gay community and didn’t waver ... I am not endorsing Governor Paterson but I admire his commitment to those whom he believes are his friends. My father used to say in Puerto Rico ‘My friends are my friends with their virtues and flaws.'

According to a new Sienna poll of Democratic voters, Paterson trails Attorney General Andrew Cuomo 22 percent to 64 percent. In a poll of all voters, Paterson trails Republican candidate Rick Lazio, 39 percent to 46 percent.

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

By Ben Muessig in News on February 23, 2010 8:51 AM

Comments [rss]

coefficient

Sure, because the gay community is just like religion; we will support even the most corrupt and immoral people, just as long as they're on our side!

Jackie Curtis

The gay community is busy cancelling wedding plans.

Diaz is another example of double standards. Shame on him.

Go run a bingo hall.

NannyState

We always get this stuff on the down low from Ruben Diaz.

JenChungsBaby

His gay friends are at The Eagle, of course.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

If the Gay community and their supporter don't deliver votes for Patterson then guaranteed the Senate won't fear them and pass marriage equality. Also they need to take down Sen. Addabo.

lucy van pelt

Paterson desperately needs supporters to stay afloat. Perhaps he should reinvent himself, play up his unique strengths. I propose he wear a prosthetic VISOR and change his name to "Geordi LaPaterson" to remind us he is the blind man who sees much more than the sighted.

Spirit of 76

"According to a new Sienna poll of Democratic voters, Paterson trails Attorney General Andrew Cuomo 22 percent to 64 percent. In a poll of all voters, Paterson trails Republican candidate Rick Lazio, 39 percent to 46 percent."

But Paterson is going to win! He told us himself! I guess polls don't mean anything and even if they did, he's going to have a miraculous last-minute surge.

Ishtar

Diaz is a clown. I would hope most gay voters aren't voting on a singular issue like gay marriage.

Anyway, I like Gov. Davis. Too bad it's illegal for me to vote in two states.

dr zippy

Who is Gov. Davis?

Ishtar

Someone I just made up.

Edit that to read "Gov. Paterson".

SohoTimmy

1. Cuomo supports gay marriage.

2. "Tens of thousands" of people didn't show up for his rally. A few thousand that were bussed in did.

Robot

I'm gay and I still support Governor Paterson. I think he's a good guy who has to work with a bunch of corrupt fools (like Diaz!).

Boogie Down

And here we have Diaz going with his best Herb Tarlek look. Seriously though, how is that someone who's likely destroyed half of his brain tissue due to heroin addiction could be in a position to influence anything politically? NY politicians are beyond belief.