The high-profile fight for marriage equality in New York state may be decided when just eight people make up their minds, according to a survey by the Gannett media company’s capital bureau.
In the state Senate, Gannett counts 26 votes in favor of same-sex marriage, 28 opposed—and eight undecided. Five Republicans and three Democrats say they haven’t made up their minds. Thirty-two votes are needed for the marriage equality bill. The three Democrats who are undecided, according to Gannett, are Sens. Joseph Addabbo and Shirley Huntley of Queens, as well as Carl Kruger of Brooklyn. They voted no in 2009, when a same-sex marriage bill in the Senate failed.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is personally lobbying the undecided lawmakers, calling them or meeting with them to encourage them to support the bill. The legislative session ends June 20. Cuomo and a coalition of groups that support marriage equality have said they will not force a vote, though, unless and until they are sure they will win.
In the state Senate, Gannett counts 26 votes in favor of same-sex marriage, 28 opposed—and eight undecided. Five Republicans and three Democrats say they haven’t made up their minds. Thirty-two votes are needed for the marriage equality bill. The three Democrats who are undecided, according to Gannett, are Sens. Joseph Addabbo and Shirley Huntley of Queens, as well as Carl Kruger of Brooklyn. They voted no in 2009, when a same-sex marriage bill in the Senate failed.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is personally lobbying the undecided lawmakers, calling them or meeting with them to encourage them to support the bill. The legislative session ends June 20. Cuomo and a coalition of groups that support marriage equality have said they will not force a vote, though, unless and until they are sure they will win.
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