Same Sex Marriage, Environment & Jobs: Lincoln Chafee Should Be Rhode Island's Next Governor

[struggle4progress]

Steve Clemons
Publisher of "The Washington Note"
Posted: December 29, 2009 12:03 PM

... In June of this year, Chafee penned a Huffington Post oped that addressed same the sex marriage debate in Rhode Island. The piece, which should be read in full, starts:

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, the New Hampshire legislature took another step in our country's ongoing struggle to ensure full equality for gays and lesbians by voting to permit same-sex couples in their state to legally enter into civil marriages. The vote makes New Hampshire the sixth state in the country--along with Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Maine-- to provide equal marriage rights to all its residents, and it now leaves my home state of Rhode Island as the only New England state that does not permit same-sex marriage.

Rhode Islanders are currently facing enormous challenges, particularly with an unacceptably high unemployment rate and a growing state budget deficit. State lawmakers should therefore quickly join our New England neighbors on the right side of history and pass a marriage equality bill, so that their energies can be focused on the priority issues that affect all of us.

To me, the issue of same-sex marriage boils down to a question of basic fairness. We all know someone who is openly gay or lesbian. Gays and lesbians have contributed to the diverse fabric of Rhode Island and the rest of the country for generations, strengthening our communities in innumerable ways. Far too often, same-sex marriage has been used as a wedge issue to divide and distract us from the bigger problems we face as a nation ...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-clemons/same-sex-marriage-environ_b_406102.html


Lincoln Chafee Enters Rhode Island Gov's Race
December 29, 2009 11:34 AM
Former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee is officially entering the Rhode Island governor's race as an independent candidate, according to reports. Chafee will announce his candidacy on Jan. 4, the Providence Journal reports ... http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/12/29/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6034196.shtml

[FLAprogressive]

1. Chafee is more honest and progressive than a lot of "liberal" Democrats, including Fierce Advocate

[struggle4progress]

2. If you feel that way, maybe you should support him for governor of RI to send a message.

I think he's a good guy

[FLAprogressive]

3. He would be worthy of support -- esp. if the Dem is wishy-washy on GLBT rights.

[struggle4progress]

4. Early support matters