Before I start this two-parter, let me first disclose that in the past I have worked for Senator John Sampson’s Campaign Committee on a pro-bono basis. Let me also sate that I once had a one-year advisor/consulting contract with said committee, which I will probably try to renew soon enough.

I have known John for about twenty years now. Back in those days he was a young attorney with the law firm of Barbaro and Alter. His boss (Mitch Alter) is the amiable and venerable election-lawyer who plies his trade in Brooklyn’s courts (mainly). Mitch is an icon of Brooklyn’s politics. Mitch alone is good for a thousand political stories from this half-naked city: most of them will have you in stitches. One of these days I will write some of those Mitch Alter political stories if the trolls here were to ever stop messing with my blog (and comments-section).

The first time John Sampson ran for the senate, he was the classic rookie. He attended events but stayed in a corner as shy as any thirty-something year old virgin about to be deflowered. He surprised most pundits by winning the race, and in so doing he became the youngest member of that legislative body.  read more »

NY State, at LONG LAST, has become the most populous state to recognize marriage equality. It took us too long, but it looks done. Details on dKos. Can I hope California comes pretty soon after this? Come on California. I am sitting right here at UCLA admiring New York for something YOU should have led the way in. Now is California's turn to step up to the plate.

This column is going to surprise many; especially some of those within Caribbean-American political circles. I have decided to support the present legislative initiative to allow for same-sex marriages in New York. It has been a long journey: I have come full circle.

I was born on the island of Trinidad. I lived there until my teenage days were over. My upbringing was a religious one, in a culture that one can be objectively called “somewhat homophobic”. At first, I was totally against same-sex marriage. Many blog-readers will remember my writings on Room Eight New York Politics (www.r8ny.com) -and on other blogs- where I raised many concerns (some of which I still have) relative to re-defining marriage. My column “Getting Down On the Same-Sex marriage Debate” (6/25/2007), drew many comments.  read more »

This comes from Yetta Kurland:

Marriage Equality New York To Honor Celebrity B.D. Wong, NYS State Senator Jose Peralta, Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Queer Rising at its 12th Annual Gala on April 28 at SLATE in NYC.

New York, NY. On April 28, 2010, Marriage Equality New York (MENY) proudly presents its 12th Annual Gala at Slate (54 West 21st St. NYC) from 6:30pm-9:30pm. This star studded event will honor B.D. Wong, NY State Senator Jose Peralta, the members of the advocacy group Queer Rising, and lead counsel in the recent anti-Prop 8 legal battle in California, Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Founded in 1998, MENY is the oldest and leading all volunteer grassroots organization in the State of New York advocating full and equal marriage for same-sex couples. A not-for-profit organization, MENY is dedicated to ending discrimination in civil marriage through education, awareness and media campaigns, political actions, and coalition building.  read more »

Looks like DC beat New York State to the gay-marriage punch on a technicality : D.C. Council votes to legalize same-sex marriage - washingtonpost.com

After months of debate, the council passed the bill 11 to 2. It still must take a second vote in two weeks before the measure can go to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), who has said he will sign it.

If the bill survives a required congressional review period, the District will join New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Massachusetts in allowing same-sex marriage.

There was a rumor floating around this morning that the New York State Senate was poised to vote on their version of the same-sex marriage bill that was passed by the Assembly earlier this year. What may end up holding the vote hostage? The DRP or Deficit Reduction Plan the NYSenate has been squabbling about for what seems now like an eternity.
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