How do we explain this?

[kentuck]

In an election that saw huge Democratic wins, the gay marriage Amendments went down in all those states except Arizona. Even those states that went Democratic, the gay marriage Amendments failed. How do we explain that?

And why just Arizona? It's true that Arizona did have a gay Republican Congressman for many years, Jim Kolbe. Is Arizona the new "progressive" center for America?

[soleft]

1. I heard one theory that the Az amendment applied to straight

couples as well.

[peace13]

3. Ohio 2004 applied to straights as well

they were just too stupid to read what they were voting for. How many unmarried seniors have found out the hard way since then? I couldn't guess. Peace, KIm

[ewagner]

4. It did in Wisconsin also

but was passed better than 59-41 (or so)


The churches had an organized movement to get out the "Yes" vote but the "yes" voters apparently voted FOR DEMOCRATS AND AGAINST REPUBLICAN.

Does it make sense?

Noooooooooooooooo....

did it happen?

Yes, Yes it did.

:shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

[sniffa]

2. you got that backwards

arizona was the onLy one where it faiLed.

[bryant69]

5. Libertarianism vs. Conservativism

I think the west tends more towards Libertarianism - leave me alone and I'll leave you alone than the south or the midwest.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Rosemary2205]

8. Bingo

The idea that someone who's against the anti-gay laws automatically stands for most liberal causes is just silly IMHO.

[rinsd]

19. I think that is a huge influence. (nt)

[hedgehog]

6. Does anyone know how close the numbers were?

I know these homophobic amendments are still passing, but I want to know if they are passing with tighter margins. In other words, is the tide starting to turn on this issue?

Aa I posted elsewhere, once the GOP puts one of these amendments on the ballot to turn out the base, at least they can't do it again.

[Cerridwen]

9. 51% - 49% against the ban

tally here

[hedgehog]

13. Do you know how the numbers compare to bans put in place in

previous years?

[Cerridwen]

15. Sorry, I don't...I'm new to AZ, and soon to be leaving (YAY!)

so I'm not conversant in AZ political history and politics. I only know what google can tell me about anything other than the recent election.

[wuushew]

7. Perhaps if you had the text of the AZ amendment

I would like to compare it to the Wisconsin version.

[Cerridwen]

11. Here ya go...

click link, 4th down on the left... link

Arizona | Proposition 107: Ban Same-Sex Marriage
Proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution would define marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman; would prohibit the state from creating or recognizing any legal status for unmarried persons that is similar to that of marriage.

However, keep in mind that AZ already has a "Defense of Marriage Act" on the books.

[wuushew]

16. Seems to be a carbon copy of what I voted against in WI

"Marriage. Shall section 13 of article XIII of the constitution be created to provide that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state?"


Maybe it was the prudish Lutheran morality vote or something. Who knows.

[Cerridwen]

17. The concern in AZ, as I understand it, was that it would negatively

impact...wait for it...heteros...and business...

Why Should You Care?
Arizona already has a law that prohibits same-sex marriage.
Prop 107 will not only ban same-sex marriage, but will also deny unmarried couples any rights and benefits associated with domestic partnership and civil unions. Some of the consequences of Prop 107 are domestic violence laws would not apply to unmarried victims, unmarried student partners would lose tuition benefits, children of unmarried couples would be at risk of losing their access to health insurance.

This amendment will also have a negative impact on business. If this amendment passes, businesses will lose their power to offer equitable benefits and attract the best talent.this argument was used in the "public" debate

I think it was more a vote, as someone up-thread noted, for a libertarian ideal rather than pro-gay rights.

[Horse with no Name]

10. The thing about Arizona

is that it is such a diverse melting pot. It is one of the most desirable places to live.
Perhaps there are more liberals moving there and shaking up status quo a little bit?
Flagstaff is supposedly a bastion of liberalism, but it isn't big enough to influence the vote of the entire state.

[IDemo]

12. It passed in Idaho by 63 percent

[Norquist Nemesis]

14. Voting a straight Democratic ticket didn't include amendment voting

At least that's my reasoning, FWIW. One thing that I heard from a lot of people before the election was that they were going to vote straight Democratic ticket. I haven't seen any polling statistics whether this was the case or not. Here in Illinois, each race has to be voted individually. I don't know if other states give the voter the ability to cast all votes to one party with a single punch/touch or not.

But, whether the voter chose straight Democratic ticket or individually chose, the Props are always a separate voting action. It doesn't necessary follow that because the voter chooses Democratic candidates that they'll also choose the Democratic Party's position on a Prop.

[sui generis]

18. it's because many conservatives voted against their own party

but not against their hard haired prejudicial beliefs.

They honestly believe that gays seeking marriage are like chimpanzees seeking marriage, and that furthermore they have a personal right and obligation to keep marriage pure from us immoral yet clever and entertaining chimpanzees.

[slackmaster]

20. Republican voters deserting a sinking ship in large numbers

They'll accept life preservers from Democratats, but they are still Republicans at heart.

[Solo_in_MD]

22. Concur

The Dems did not win the election, the Repukes lost it. Major difference. Many voted against the repuke incumbents and their only alternative was the Dems. That is not the same as wholesale acceptance of a progressive program. Many here at DU seem oblivious to that. In two years this could all turn around. No one should be running around claiming mandate. The Dems need to move at a moderate pace and consolidate the gains, and build for 2008. Radical moves can and will backfire. The last thing we need is to not have the Whitehouse or lose one or both houses.

[williesgirl]

21. In VA, I think some repubs voted Webb, but for the gay ban.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

23. Patience. The mills

of the gods grind slowly but exceedingly fine.