Pro-Gay Marriage NY Lawmaker: ‘I’m A Republican — I Was Born That Way’

[cal04]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/06/pro-gay-marriage-ny-lawmaker-im-a-republican----i-was-born-that-way.php

Though no deal has been reached yet in the fight over the New York marriage equality bill, there's one Republican state Senator who's dropped his poker face.

James Alesi told a crowd in Albany Tuesday that he's supporting the bill, adding: "I'm a Republican -- I was born that way."

(snip)
"Passing marriage equality is the most important thing that I think I can do in my 20-year history as a legislator," Alesi said.

Referring to the order votes would be cast (which is alphabetical), Alesi added: "I am proud to be a Republican. I will also be proud to be the first Republican voter to vote for marriage equality in this state."



video at link

[Matariki]

1. I like what he had to say

http://jezebel.com/5813273/republican-senator-says-fuck-it-legalize-gay-marriage

"You get to the point where you evolve in your life where everything isn't black and white, good and bad, and you try to do the right thing. You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, fuck it. I don't care what you think. I'm trying to do the right thing.

I'm tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I'm trying to do the right thing, and that's where I'm going with this."

[Unvanguard]

2. I'm glad he's voting "Yes," but being a Republican is a choice. And he should choose better. n/t

[justiceischeap]

3. I think he was trying to make a funny... It certainly came off better than Romney's job joke. nt