A glorious victory

Senate Amendment Supporters (6.00 / 1)

Brown, Hedlund (thought he might switch against), Moore, Creedon, and Panagiotakos.

I hope Scott Brown does run against Kerry for Senate in 2008 so Kerry can school him and we can comfortably get Brown's seat back for the Dems.

Also, notable Senators who could have gone either way but rightly voted against the amendment: Candaras and Morrissey (that I noticed, anyway).

---

by: BrightonGuy @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:30:02 PM CDT

*sigh* (5.00 / 1)

Honestly, folks, we in Lowell tried our damndest. I am ashamed of Panagiotakos. Generally he's on the right side of many votes, but this one was egregious.

Left in Lowell: cuz why read the Lowell Sun if you don't have to? ;)

---

by: Lynne @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:34:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm honestly surprised that Morrissey voted no. (6.00 / 1)

He's always been conservative as a Senator. But then again, I lived on the same corridor at Patterson Dorm with the guy, back in the days of UMass when they had door-by-door (as opposed to floor-by-floor) coed dorms, and he always seemed fairly relaxed when it came to matters of sexuality.

We had four theater majors living in our corridor (including me) and so lots of gay kids from the department would be stopping by to visit. Mike (or "Chump," as my roommate dubbed him for some odd reason) was the quintissential party organizer (his specialty was mixing up a concoction called a "powerhouse" in kitchen-wastebasket sized containers for the dorn parties - remember, the drinking age was 18 in those days!) - and he was always one to welcome non-corridor guests with a sarcastic joke and a drink, no matter who they were or who accompanied them, or what that companion's gender was.

When it came to this vote, chances are he put politics aside, simply dug down into his basic gregarious sense of humanity, and did the right thing. If so, good for him! But either way, I'm glad he made the switch.

Thanks for keeping on top of this, Charlie and the rest. I couldn't bring myself to even follow the liveblogging, so fearful was I that the bigots would prevail.

I'm going to go out and celebrate tonight - I might even go down to Water Street in Worcester to watch the gay community whoop it up, and join in too!

---

by: Sharoney @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:04:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I can't believe it. (6.00 / 2)

I just watched it and I'm sittin' here still crying!

I just can't f'in' believe it!

Thanks to all who helped.

I hope Arlene Isaacson gets a good night's sleep.

---

by: Kira @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:33:37 PM CDT

I am very glad it is over (6.00 / 2)

Finally we can get back to doing the business of running the state and stop waiting for the shoe to drop at every con con.

---

by: cephme @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:35:42 PM CDT

Oh happy day! (0.00 / 0)

My only sadness right now is that I am here and my lovely and incredible wife is home and we are doing our jumping up and down in separate locations. Thanks for all who have worked so hard for so long to put this bad baby to bed.

---

by: Jarstar @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:36:02 PM CDT

In twenty-five... (6.00 / 4)

...days my husband and I will celebrate our third anniversary and it will be the first one without some dark cloud hanging over it.  This year we're definitely ordering the champagne!!!

---

by: anthony @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:40:03 PM CDT

changed votes (0.00 / 0)

So, who switched from yes to no? 

---

by: greenescapist @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:44:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

votes - (6.00 / 1)

Michael Morrisey I believe was a switch and a big one from Geraldo Alicea - new Rep from Southbridge who deserves our Kudos....

Here's what Kris Mineau has to say..."Massachusetts Family Institute President Kris Mineau tells the press that is going to call for an investigation into the lawmakers who switched their vote. He said he wants to know if anything illegal happened in the pressure put on lawmakers."

Typical.

Wayne

---

by: Since1792 @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:51:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I would welcome... (6.00 / 3)

... the sunshine.  Let all the details come out so that nobody can every put a cloud over the vote's legitimacy.  Once they come to that conclusion how much do you want to bet that the story never comes out?

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult." - Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD)

---

by: Mr Lynne @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:00:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's all talk. Mineau and his minions (0.00 / 0)

run from sunshine. It's toxic to them.

I hope he slinks away to whatever hideyhole he emerged from now that the bigots have lost. Good riddance.

---

by: Sharoney @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:07:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Alicea's vote is quite courageous and impressive! (5.80 / 5)

Considering that the 6th Worcester District was the biggest vote for Bush in 2004, Rep. Alicea's vote is quite courageous. Everybody on this blog should remember his courage in 2008 because he will likely need our help.

---

by: CentralMAGuy @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:09:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

even though (6.00 / 3)

you told him that 1,000 times last time you saw him - he still voted our way!

Thanks Rep Alicea!

Wayne

---

by: Since1792 @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:32:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Like I said- Courage! (6.00 / 1)

He did vote the right way on this issue, and I'm proud of him for it. I did tell him that 1,000 times while playing devil's advocate.

We both know that he and legislators like him are likely going to have fights on their hands, and that we'll need to be there for them to ensure their victory next year.

---

by: CentralMAGuy @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:41:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

ha ha ha ha ha (5.00 / 1)

Here's what Kris Mineau has to say..."Massachusetts Family Institute President Kris Mineau tells the press that is going to call for an investigation into the lawmakers who switched their vote. He said he wants to know if anything illegal happened in the pressure put on lawmakers."

Good luck trying to get them back on your side, Kris! Let us know how that works...

---

"Providing health care to the uninsured is a job killer, while not providing health care is merely a people killer....   Bonus: Job Openings!!"

--Stephen Colbert

---

by: petr @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:10:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

For the serious Defender of Het Marriage (5.33 / 3)

If Kris is seriously wanting to make hetero marriage all that it can be, he'll run this WA campaign in MA.  I mean, let's get serious about your feeble institution, Kris!

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

---

by: Laurel @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:57:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I am close to tears (6.00 / 2)

WAY TO GO MASS EQUALITY!!! One of the most organized, powerful, well-run political organizations that Massachusetts has ever seen. In baseball, they say you win or lose based on how you play the fundamentals, and MassEquality executed the fundamentals soundly the entire year ... My congratulations and thanks go out especially to the fine people of that organization...


"I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people." ~ Isaac Newton

---

by: PoliticalEngineer @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:46:35 PM CDT

Victory!! (0.00 / 0)

Now *that* is how you protect equality. Way to go everybody who worked on this campaign!

---

by: afertig @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:53:22 PM CDT

screen shots (0.00 / 0)

here are a few screen shote of the web feed from my computer, and my senate tally.

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

---

by: Laurel @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:54:43 PM CDT

Woohoo! (0.00 / 0)

Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen and to the courageous Legislators who did the right thing.  This is a great day for Massachusetts! 

---

by: Wookie @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 12:57:28 PM CDT

Thank you pro-equality Republicans (5.50 / 4)

This is to Senators Tarr, Tisei, Representative Hill and any other Republicans who consistently stood with equality and did not budge on their principles when their own party endorsed placing the discriminatory measure on the state ballot. Certainly every yes vote, especially the switches, took political courage but we can all agree that the Republicans who defied their own party's platform had the most to lose on this one so congratulations.

And for the Democrats who still voted Yes you have also defied your party's platform and for that you will pay at the ballot box in 08, especially you Donato.

---

by: jconway @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:29:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank Loscocco (R) also! (0.00 / 0)

That was a big - and unmexpected! - switch.

Thank you Paul.

Wayne

---

by: Since1792 @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 21:04:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Rep. Ross (R) as well (5.00 / 1)

Don't forget he switched also. It just proves that civil rights for alll citizens is not simply a partisan issue.

---

by: Hoyapaul @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 21:27:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I haven't been this happy, this proud of the Commonwealth since November . . . msg (0.00 / 0)

I know it's not over because these trolls will never let it be over, but this should at least tarnish their credibility in the future.

Let's work to unseat all those who voted yes!

WAHOOO!!!

---

by: Karen @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:03:23 PM CDT

This is a great day (6.00 / 3)

This is a truly joyous day for equality supporters everywhere. Along with the thousands upon thousands of gay couples in this state, I'd like to recognize another big winner today. The Massachusetts Constitution, not only was the process upheld, but our Constitution won't be used as a tool for hatred and discrimination.

John McCain voted to filibuster the minimum wage

---

by: ChrisWagner @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:13:20 PM CDT

Unbelievable. (6.00 / 3)

Well, well, well, whodathunkit?  MassEquality deserves all the praise we can muster for running a focused, respectful, and thoroughly professional campaign to change hearts and minds. 

What a great day!!  Yippee!! 

 

---

by: lightiris @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:13:21 PM CDT

As far as I remember (6.00 / 3)

Mass Equality was directly responsible for changing Rep. Golden's mind...bringing gay, married constituants to him to tell their stories, in that old-fashioned way of connecting citizens to those who represent them. Golden, I hear, was touched by the stories and changed his vote.

Non-confrontational, but steady and carefully, they won a lot of people over.

Left in Lowell: cuz why read the Lowell Sun if you don't have to? ;)

---

by: Lynne @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 16:13:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Roll call to be posted by MassEquality (6.00 / 2)

Check out this link on the MassEquality site for results as soon as they are available.

I plan to send thank-you notes to everyone who voted the right way, and I will personally thank the Governor for his efforts.

My earlier comments are here.

---

by: Michael Forbes Wilcox @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:18:42 PM CDT

Thank you. (6.00 / 10)

Thank you.

Thank you to all the legislators who voted for equality today.  Thank you to all the individuals and couples and families who shared their stories and presented the very human face of this long struggle.  Thank you to MassEquality and the many other organizations and institutions who worked tirelessly to protect my human rights.  Thank you to the countless individuals who gave their time and their money to make today a reality.  Thank you to BMG for providing a forum for discourse (and even disagreement) and to its members who have spoken so eloquently and passionately about this issue. 

As a gay man, I feel so very proud and humbled and accepted today.  I must confess that when the marriage fight was taken up several years ago I was one of those who feared that the time was not right; that the backlash would be too great.  I feared that our cause would be set back and that other priorities (protections in the workplace and in housing) would be sacrificed to a dream which was doomed to ultimate failure (at least in the short term).  I was wrong.  Indeed, I knew I was wrong the moment that the Goodridge decision came down because I was truly stunned by how much it meant to me. 

Many of us who are gay (and, thankfully now, of a certain age) had long dismissed marriage as an antiquated institution and unnecessary social construct.  Again, I was wrong, or more accurately, self-deluded.  Such foolish thoughts were clearly designed to shield myself from the pain and shame of being excluded from this treasured and unattainable experience.  In my heart of hearts I knew that marriage was a wonderful and amazing institution, but I simply could not lend credence to an institution in which I knew I could never share.  I know it sounds a bit foolish at this point, but defense mechanisms are often foolish in some way. 

Thankfully, my perception and my life changed on November 18, 2003.  I have not yet married, but thanks to Julie Goodridge, David Wilson, Robert Compton, Michael Horgan, Edward Balmelli, Maureen Brodoff, Ellen Wade, Gary Chalmers, Richard Linnell, Heidi Norton, Gina Smith, Gloria Bailey, Linda Davies, and so many others who had vision and courage, I too can share in this greatest of institutions forevermore.

Thank you.

Tim Schofield

---

by: Tim Schofield @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:18:51 PM CDT

Tim: (0.00 / 0)

Many of us who are gay (and, thankfully now, of a certain age) had long dismissed marriage as an antiquated institution and unnecessary social construct.  Again, I was wrong, or more accurately, self-deluded.  Such foolish thoughts were clearly designed to shield myself from the pain and shame of being excluded from this treasured and unattainable experience.  In my heart of hearts I knew that marriage was a wonderful and amazing institution, but I simply could not lend credence to an institution in which I knew I could never share.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{BIG FAT HUGS!!!!}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

---

by: Sharoney @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:26:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Roll Call Up! (0.00 / 1)

http://www.mass.gov/...

---

by: JillK @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:23:43 PM CDT

Sorry! Nope! (5.50 / 2)

Sorry.  I'm still too excited to link properly!

---

by: JillK @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:25:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

actual link (0.00 / 0)

Does anyone have the actual link?  I've listened to news stories all week about the arm-twisting and want to know who it actually worked on. 

---

by: greenescapist @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:53:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes! (6.00 / 1)

http://www.massequal...

---

by: Tim Little @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:07:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I am so proud of our state today, and proud of our Governor for (0.00 / 0)

all his leadership on this issue. :)

---

by: melanie @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:30:32 PM CDT

maybe it is over? (6.00 / 1)

KrisMineau.com

BrianCamenker.com

mmmmmmmm

:)

Wayne

---

by: Since1792 @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:33:10 PM CDT

Hmmm... (5.50 / 2)

I'd like to call for an investigation into the web designers who switched their sites. I want to know if anything illegal happened in the pressure put on those webmasters.

---

by: Wookie @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:41:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Love it (0.00 / 0)

Nice!

  - Dan

---

by: danseidman @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 13:43:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

An honest victory... (6.00 / 3)

...and a clear statement for equality.

Not saving civil rights by trickery, killing the vote, maneuvering against a cause, and hiding behind curtains.  Nobody got ripped off or cheated -- the side of equality played fair and pasted the haters.

The people and their servants of Massachusetts said without shadow, without doubt, without reservation...YES to equality and NO to bigotry.  There's no spin to make and no questions to raise.

Bigots are not welcome in my state, nor are their attempts to force their beliefs on us.

~~~~
Believe it or not, I have even more to say...

---

by: sabutai @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:03:09 PM CDT

Roll Call (6.00 / 2)

Here's how members of the Massachustts Legislature voted Thursday on a proposed 2008 ballot question that would ban gay marriage. The vote was 45-151. Fifty votes were needed to move it to a statewide ballot question in 2008.

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Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts A "yes" vote was in favor of the ballot question; a "no" vote was against it.

SENATE

Robert A. Antonioni, D-Leominster - N

Edward M. Augustus, D-Worcester - N

Steven A. Baddour, D-Methuen - N

Jarrett T. Barrios, D-Cambridge - N

Frederick E. Berry, D-Peabody - N

Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre - N

Scott P. Brown, R-Wrentham - Y

Stephen J. Buoniconti, D-West Springfield - N

Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham - N

Harriette L. Chandler, D-Worcester - N

Robert S. Creedon Jr., D-Brockton - Y

Cynthia Stone Creem, D-Newton - N

Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield - N

Susan C. Fargo, D-Lincoln - N

John A. Hart, D-Boston - N

Robert A. Havern, D-Arlington - N

Robert L. Hedlund, R-Weymouth - Y

Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville - N

Brian A. Joyce, D-Milton - N

Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield - N

Thomas M. McGee, D-Lynn - N

Joan M. Menard, D-Fall River - N

Mark C. Montigny, D-New Bedford - N

Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge - Y

Michael W. Morrissey, D-Quincy - N

Therese Murray, D-Plymouth - N

Robert D. O'Leary, D-Barnstable - N

Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton - N

Steven C. Panagiotakos, D-Lowell - Y

Pamela P. Resor, D-Acton - N

Stanley C. Rosenberg, D-Amherst - N

Karen E. Spilka, D-Ashland - N

Bruce E. Tarr, R-Gloucester - N

James E. Timilty, D-Walpole - N

Richard R. Tisei, R-Wakefield - N

Steven A. Tolman, D-Boston - N

Susan C. Tucker, D-Andover - N

Marian Walsh, D-West Roxbury - N

Dianne Wilkerson, D-Boston - N

HOUSE:

Geraldo Alicea, D-Charlton - N

Willie Mae Allen, D-Boston - N

Cory Atkins, D-Concord - N

Demetrius J. Atsalis, D-Hyannis - X

Bruce J. Ayers, D-Quincy - Y

Ruth B. Balser, D-Newton - N

Fred Barrows, R-Mansfield - Y

John J. Binienda, D-Worcester - Y

Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams - N

Garrett J. Bradley, D-Hingham - N

William N. Brownsberger, D-Belmont - N

Antonio F. D. Cabral, D-New Bedford - N

Jennifer M. Callahan, D-Sutton - N

Thomas Calter, D-Kingston - N

Linda Dean Campbell, D-Methuen - Y

Christine E. Canavan, D-Brockton - N

Stephen R. Canessa, D-New Bedford - N

Paul C. Casey, D-Winchester - Y

Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera, D-Springfield - N

Thomas F. Conroy, D-Wayland - N

Robert Correia, D-Fall River - Y

Michael A. Costello, D-Newburyport - N

Geraldine Creedon, D-Brockton - Y

Sean Curran, D-Springfield - Y

Steven J. D'Amico, D-Seekonk - N

Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop - N

Viriato Manuel deMacedo, R-Plymouth - Y

Salvatore F. DiMasi, D-Boston - N

Stephen DiNatale, D-Boston - N

Paul J. Donato, D-Medford - Y

Christopher J. Donelan, D-Orange - N

Joseph R. Driscoll Jr., D-Braintree - N

James B. Eldridge, D-Acton - N

Lewis G. Evangelidis, R-Holden - Y

James H. Fagan, D-Taunton - Y

Christopher G. Fallon, D-Malden - N

Mark V. Falzone, D-Saugus - N

Robert F. Fennell, D-Lynn - N

John V. Fernandes, D-Milford - N

Michael E. Festa, D-Melrose - N

Barry R. Finegold, D-Andover - N

Jennifer Flanagan, D-Leominster - N

David L. Flynn, D-Bridgewater - Y

Linda Dorcena Forry, D-Boston - N

Gloria L. Fox, D-Boston - N

John P. Fresolo, D-Worcester - Y

Paul K. Frost, R-Auburn - Y

William C. Galvin, D-Canton - N

Colleen M. Garry, D-Dracut - Y

Susan W. Gifford, R-Wareham - Y

Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer - N

Thomas A. Golden Jr., D-Lowell - N

Mary E. Grant, D-Beverly - N

William G. Greene Jr., D-Billerica - Y

Denis Guyer, D-Dalton - N

Patricia A. Haddad, D-Somerset - N

Geoffrey D. Hall, D-Westford - N

Robert S. Hargraves, R-Groton - Y

Lida E. Harkins, D-Needham - N

Bradford Hill, R-Ipswich - N

Kevin G. Honan, D-Boston - N

Donald F. Humason Jr., R-Westfield - Y

Frank M. Hynes, D-Marshfield - Y

Bradley H. Jones Jr., R-North Reading - N

Louis L. Kafka, D-Stoughton - N

Michael F. Kane, D-Holyoke - Y

Rachel Kaprielian, D-Watertown - N

Jay R. Kaufman, D-Lexington - N

John D. Keenan, D-Salem - N

Thomas P. Kennedy, D-Brockton - N

Kay Khan, D-Newton - N

Peter V. Kocot, D-Northampton - N

Robert M. Koczera, D-New Bedford - N

Peter J. Koutoujian, D-Waltham - N

Paul Kujawski, D-Webster - N

Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington - N

William Lantigua, D-Lawrence - Y

Stephen P. LeDuc, D-Marlborough - N

John A. Lepper, R-Attleboro - Y

David P. Linsky, D-Natick - N

Barbara A. L'Italien, D-Andover - N

Paul Loscocco, R-Holliston - N

Elizabeth A. Malia, D-Boston - N

Ronald Mariano, D-Quincy - N

James J. Marzilli Jr., D-Arlington - N

Allen J. McCarthy, D-East Bridgewater - N

James R. Miceli, D-Wilmington - Y

Michael Moran, D-Boston - N

Charles A. Murphy, D-Burlington - N

James M. Murphy, D-Weymouth - Y

Kevin M. Murphy, D-Lowell - N

David M. Nangle, D-Lowell - Y

Patrick Natale, D-Woburn - N

Harold P. Naughton Jr., D-Clinton - N

Robert J. Nyman, D-Hanover - N

James O'Day, D-West Boylston - N

Eugene L. O'Flaherty, D-Chelsea - N

Matthew C. Patrick, D-Falmouth - N

Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown - N

Vincent A. Pedone, D-Worcester - N

Alice H. Peisch, D-Wellesley - N

Jeffrey D. Perry, R-Sandwich - Y

Douglas W. Petersen, D-Marblehead - N

George N. Peterson Jr., R-Grafton - Y

Thomas M. Petrolati, D-Ludlow - Y

Anthony W. Petruccelli, D-Boston - N

William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox - N

Elizabeth A. Poirier, R-North Attleboro - Y

Karyn E. Polito, R-Shrewsbury - Y

Denise Provost, D-Somerville - N

Angelo Puppolo, D-Wilbraham - N

John F. Quinn, D-Dartmouth - N

Kathi-Anne Reinstein, D-Revere - N

Robert Rice Jr., D-Gardner - N

Pam Richardson, D-Framingham - N

Michael J. Rodrigues, D-Westport - N

Mary S. Rogeness, R-Longmeadow - Y

John H. Rogers, D-Norwood - N

Richard J. Ross, R-Wrentham - N

Michael F. Rush, D-Boston - Y

Byron Rushing, D-Boston - N

Jeffrey Sanchez, D-Boston - N

Rosemary Sandlin, D-Agawam - N

Tom Sannicandro, D-Ashland - N

Angelo M. Scaccia, D-Boston - Y

John W. Scibak, D-South Hadley - N

Carl M. Sciortino Jr., D-Somerville - N

Stephen Smith, D-Everett - N

Frank I. Smizik, D-Brookline - N

Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer - Y

Theodore C. Speliotis, D-Danvers - N

Robert P. Spellane, D-Worcester - N

Christopher N. Speranzo - D-Pittsfield - N

Joyce A. Spiliotis, D-Peabody - Y

Marie P. St. Fleur, D-Boston - X

Harriett L. Stanley, D-West Newbury - N

Thomas M. Stanley, D-Waltham - N

Ellen Story, D-Amherst - N

William M. Straus, D-Mattapoisett - N

David B. Sullivan, D-Fall River - N

Benjamin Swan, D-Springfield - N

Walter F. Timilty, D-Milton - Y

A. Stephen Tobin, D-Quincy - Y

Timothy J. Toomey Jr., D-Cambridge - N

David M. Torrisi, D-North Andover - N

Eric Turkington, D-Falmouth - N

Cleon H. Turner, D-Dennis - N

James E. Vallee, D-Franklin - N

Anthony J. Verga, D-Gloucester - X

Joseph F. Wagner, D-Chicopee - N

Brian P. Wallace, D-Boston - N

Patricia A. Walrath, D-Stow - N

Martin J. Walsh, D-Boston - N

Steven M. Walsh, D-Lynn - N

Martha M. Walz, D-Boston - N

Daniel K. Webster, R-Hanson - Y

James T. Welch, D-West Springfield - N

Alice K. Wolf, D-Cambridge - N

------

N no

Y yes

X not voting

---

by: palgrnstar @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:07:42 PM CDT

Forgot one.... (5.00 / 1)

Brian S. Dempsey, D-Haverhill - N

---

by: palgrnstar @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:09:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

More to the point... (6.00 / 5)

Those who switched:
Sen. Candaras
Sen. Morrissey
Rep. Canavan
Rep. Kujawski
Rep. Nyman
Rep. Vallee
Rep. Wallace
Rep. Loscocco (R)
Rep. Ross (R)

Those who were absent (who mattered):
Rep. Verga... and we wish him a speedy recovery

Freshmen who stood with us:
Sen. Downing
Rep. Alicea
Rep. Allen
Rep. Brownsberger
Rep. Calter
Rep. Conroy
Rep. D'Amico
Rep. DiNatale
Rep. Fernandes
Rep. McCarthy
Rep. McMurtry
Rep. O'Day
Rep. Peake
Rep. Puppolo (!)
Rep. Sandlin
Rep. Smith

Freshmen who didn't:
Rep. Campbell
Rep. Barrows (R)

... I think that covers all of them. Now it's time to thank our friends, and you know what to do with the rest of them!

---

by: eury13 @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:25:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I presume when you say "switched" that... (0.00 / 0)

...they switched from "yes" (to refer the amendment to the ballot) to "no." 

If that's the case, I'm surprised that two Republicans (if that's what you mean by "R") would vote "no."  I don't know what areas they are representing, but is it perhaps because the state Republican party leadership's recent entreaties that the party not appear so bigotted on social issues.

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by: raj @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:43:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

some Republicans have always supported equality (5.33 / 3)

I recall that Jo Ann Sprague voted consistently "No" on every vote regarding every anti-gay-marriage amendment proposal.

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by: Ron Newman @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:11:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not the only R "no"s (6.00 / 2)

Minority Leader Jones and Rep. Hill both voted no in January as well as today.

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by: eury13 @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:19:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The 6th and 8th Worcester districts are among the switched (6.00 / 1)

The 6th Worcester district was formerly held by Mark Carron, an amendment supporter with whom I had huge disagreements on this issue. This district is very conservative on social issues, which makes Geraldo Alicea's vote a brave and principled one.

The 8th Worcester is another conservative southern Worcester County seat. Rep. Kujawski's flip is very surprising to me, which makes me believe that the Speaker finally got to him. Of course, why he changed his vote isn't as important as the fact that he did change his vote to the right one.

This day was full of surprises... pleasant ones!

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by: CentralMAGuy @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:13:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well, in Sarah Peake's case... (0.00 / 0)

... she is one of "us", so I'd hope so.  ;-)

Although had her opponent won, him being one of "us" in one way, but not another... well let's just all be glad that she won that race!

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by: MarriageEqualityMass @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:15:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Brave Votes (0.00 / 0)

If either Rep. Loscocco or Rep. Ross ever finds himself in Pittsfield, the beer is on me.

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by: Pitty Girl @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 17:36:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Can we see which districts switched... (0.00 / 0)

and if it was the same legislator or a new one?  T'anks!

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by: stomv @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:31:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Beat me (0.00 / 0)

thanks.

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by: stomv @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:32:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Given the list of Y votes... (0.00 / 0)

let the primaries begin!

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by: stomv @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:40:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Please, please dear god (5.00 / 1)

Someone run against Rep Nangle. Please!!!!

Left in Lowell: cuz why read the Lowell Sun if you don't have to? ;)

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by: Lynne @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 16:17:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

and someone run against Sen. Richard Moore in Uxbridge - Pahleeeeeeeez!!! (6.00 / 2)

Word has it there might be a nurse out that way thinking about taking him on.  Stay tuned.

Moore's a snake that REALLY MUST BE REPLACED; he's Chair of the Healthcare Finance Committee and it was Moore who led the efforts to kill the citizens Healthcare Amendment.

Our case is pending before the State Supreme Court. Stay tuned on that one, too.
------

Heartfelt "Thank You's!!" and also Congratulations to all of us who worked for the outcome on Marriage Equality that we got today.  Hooray!!!!!!!!

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by: AnnEM @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 18:36:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Senate roll call is available (0.00 / 0)

Senate roll call is now up at http://www.massequal...

Awaiting House roll call.

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by: MamaSez @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 14:08:46 PM CDT

Equal Marriage in Massachusetts! Now and Forever! (6.00 / 1)

It looks like Paul Donato stuck to his old vote, so Patrick McCabe gets a step forward.

In all cases, I think this was a huge victory for everyone. I'm proud of Governor Patrick and Representative Eldridge's leadership on making sure we killed this amendment decisively and eithour any doubt. Kudos to Terry Murray and Sal DiMasi too, and of course the efforts of MassEquality. Congratualtions everyone!

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by: alexwill @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 15:33:51 PM CDT

Alex, (0.00 / 0)

I have a student who's attending Brandeis in the fall, majoring in political science and international relations.  Is there a way I can get his name & info to you so that he connect with like-minded people when he gets there? 

 

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by: lightiris @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 18:51:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

if he was your student... (6.00 / 1)

He should be able to skip his freshman year :)

Wayne

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by: Since1792 @ Thu Jun 14, 2007 at 21:09:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Six! (0.00 / 0)

Thanks, Wayne.  ;)

 

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by: lightiris @ Fri Jun 15, 2007 at 12:44:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]