Credit to MAJeff for blogging it first: Minnesota's Anti-Gay Marriage Constitutional Amendment was
killed in committee today.
Earlier today I blogged the convening of a hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee on the bill. In the story I singled out the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Don Betzold, and the Majority Leader of our Democratic Senate, Senator Dean Johnson, for organizing the Democratic Caucus against the Amendment at great political risk to themselves, particularly Senator Johnson. Senator Johnson is from a rural swing district, Willmar, MN, and received only 54% of the vote last time out in '02.
Many of the commenters on my original diary entry suggested that it would be a good idea to reward Senator Johnson and the state Democratic Party (DFL) for taking a bold stand on the amendment when it would have been politically easier to just go with it. In response to their requests, I urge you to show your support for the most progressive state party in the nation by donating here:
Thank the Minnesota Democratic Party for taking a strong stand against the Hate Amendment
I have contacted the DFL and told them that I was going to post this and that contributions from DKos community members would have one penny added so that they know where it comes from. Also on the online donation form is a space to give the donation in the name of someone. I sugggest that you use that space to mention dKos, Senator Johnson and the Marriage Amendment.
Please contribute. This is a worthy cause worthy of our money. I have already thrown in the first $100.