Sunday, February 26, 2012
If the Democrats are serious about overriding the veto, they will need to mount a well-funded, serious challenge in District 26 Assembly race in November.
Betty Lou DeCroce, Morris County’s and New Jersey’s newest legislator, was sworn in last Thursday and cast her first vote on a bill. Not just any bill, but the Democrats’ stated top priority of the session. The one that would legalize same sex marriage. Her no vote was not surprising, given that every Republican in the lower house who cast a vote opposed it, the proclamation from the new minority leader that members could vote as they wished not withstanding. But it’s a vote that could come back to haunt her in November. Gov. Chris Christie did as promised and lost no time in issuing a conditional veto of the bill; the condition, that the question be put up for a vote, is one the Democrats say they will not accept. The Dems have vowed to …
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Governor argues issue should be decided by voters in a referendum.
Governor Christie conditionally vetoed the gay marriage bill Friday afternoon, delivering on his promise of "swift action" against the measure, which passed in both houses of the Legislature this week. Christie's veto came a day after the state Assembly passed the bill legalizing same-sex marriages by a 42-33 vote. The governor, an opponent of gay marriage, had promised "very swift action" if the bill passed in both houses. The Senate approved the bill Monday in a 24-16 vote. In a prepared statement Friday, the governor said the best approach would be to strengthen the state's current civil union law and suggested appointing an ombudsman to handle discrimination complaints from gay couples. "I have been just as adamant that same-sex …
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Locals tell the governor it's time to back down and sign legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage.
Proponents of marriage equality have a simple message for Gov. Chris Christie: Sign the bill. The state Senate voted Monday to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey by a 24-16 margin and the Assembly is expected to follow suit Thursday. That literally will put the issue on Gov. Christie’s desk this week. The governor has promised a veto—something couples like Louise Walpin and Marsha Shapiro of Monmouth Junction believe shows a failure of leadership. “What I’d like to say to him is that it is very sad that Gov. Christie is choosing to use his power to deprive people of the very same civil rights he enjoys,” Shapiro told me Tuesday. “I’d like to ask him for a meeting and let him hear our story so he knows that he’s dealing with human …
Monday, February 13, 2012
Gov. Christie has vowed to veto any bill allowing same-sex marriage in New Jersey.
The New Jersey State Senate approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in a 24-16 vote today, NJ.com reports. Sen. Gerry Cardinale (R-Cresskill) spoke out against the bill during today's debate, the NJ.com report says. "The essential characteristic of a marriage, the very definition of the term, is it involves at least one male and one female,” he is quoted as saying. “Do not break with thousands of years of civilized tradition. This bill opens Pandora’s box.” Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerville), who represents South Brunswick and Princeton in the 16th District, voted against the bill. Democratic Sens. Bob Smith (Middlesex), Barbara Buono (Middlesex) and Shirley Turner (Mercer) voted in favor of the legislation. Gov. Chris …
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Christie announces Tuesday he is urging for the question to be part of November elections.
Following a town hall meeting at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center in Bridgewater Tuesday, Gov. Chris Christie announced he plans to urge Republicans in the legislature to vote to put the issue of same sex marriage on the ballot for November. If not, and it is put on his desk, Christie said he will veto it. "I've been consistent in my position," he said. "It is clear to me that marriage is between one man and one woman." "But let's stop treating this like a political football, and let the rest of New Jersey decide," he added. "This is an opportunity to take away any political maneuvering because the institution of marriage is too serious." Christie said he does not believe the issue of same sex marriage is a political …
Patrick
4:09 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
I do care about civil rights issues for everyone, even yours... and when have I ever supported protecting an unqualified teacher. Maybe I didn't agree with your means, but when have I ever said I want unqualified teachers... ohh right, NEVER. I'm the first person who will call for the head of a checked out teacher, or worse. But that doesn't play into your meme of liberal= member of the NJEA. but… more ›