More below the fold.
The latest Kennebec Journal story here, regarding yesterday's poll numbers:
A new poll released Monday gives same-sex marriage supporters an 11 percentage point lead over those seeking to reject the new state law.Yet both sides in the Question 1 debate say they expect nothing short of a barn burner when voters go to the polls one week from today.
"We've always said all along we think this is going to be a pretty close election," said Jesse Connolly, campaign manager for No on 1.
Question 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot asks voters if they want to reject the new state law that allows gay and lesbian couples to marry in Maine. It's one of seven ballot questions voters will decide.
All campaigns review polls -- internal ones and also those done by outside companies. But Connolly and Scott Fish, spokesman for Yes on 1, say they don't dwell on them.
"They all reflect it's a close race," Fish said. "For Yes on 1 supporters, it's a call to vote."
Monday's poll showing a lead for same-sex marriage supporters was quite different from one released by a North Carolina firm last week.
That poll, which surveyed more than 1,000 likely voters, said the Question 1 race was in a 48-48 percent dead heat. Public Policy Polling, which uses automated telephone surveys, said 4 percent were undecided and that the poll had a 3 percent margin of error.
Monday's poll, by Pan Atlantic SMS Gc SMS Group of Portland, asked 400 likely voters how they plan to vote on the five major questions.
On Question 1, 53 percent indicated they would vote "no," 42 percent said they would vote "yes" and 6 percent were undecided.
Also, some good stuff here...
For weeks, Mainers have witnessed a back-and-forth operation between supporters and opponents of Question 1. Over the airwaves, the debate has, at times, become bitter, and has been followed by press conferences and rallies.Now, because of part of the way it's being funded on one side, the argument has landed in federal court.
"In the Internet age, there's an increasing risk of harassment and privacy concerns that could come from some of these disclosure requirements and this cuts both ways," said Josiah Neeley, a national election law attorney from Terre Haute, Ind.
Neely is fighting on behalf of two political organizations from Virginia and Washington, D.C., that are trying to prevent same-sex marriage.
The groups he represents, which are pushing for the Yes on 1 campaign, are battling because they do not believe they need to disclose their list of donors -- even though Maine's election laws say they might have to.
"The statute does not, in any way, restrict what they can raise or spend, or restrict their political speech, but it says you have to report, after the fact, how much you give and raise for the purpose of influencing the vote in Maine," Maine Assistant Attorney General Phyllis Gardiner said.
On hate crimes:The time has come to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Enacted 13 years ago when the idea of same sex marriage was struggling for acceptance, the Act is a relic of a more tradition-bound time and culture. Connecticut, Iowa, and Massachusetts have already passed laws recognizing same sex marriage and other states are moving in that direction. The states are the proper forum to address this divisive social and moral issue, not the Federal Government with a law that attempts to set one national standard for marriage.
Nothing in the Act impedes the lawful expression of one's political or religious beliefs. All Americans are entitled to hold and express their own beliefs, no matter how provocative. At the same time, no person has the right to engage in violent acts of hate or incite to violence. Protecting Americans against such hate crimes does not inhibit free speech but rather serves us all by halting and penalizing those who carry out those acts of cruelty.The senator reminds readers that he was an original co-sponsor of ENDA 2009, and regarding DADT, he calls it "outdated" and a "perso "person's sexual orientation has no bearing their ability to serve their country in the armed forces."
For Immediate Release:Governor Baldacci Joins Maine Families in Bangor For Final GOTV Push For NO on 1
Bangor, Maine (October 27, 2009) -
Governor John E. Baldacci together with Maine families and volunteers including area legislators and elected officials gathered today at the home of Sally Dobres in Bangor to urge Maine people to vote NO on Question 1.
"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions," Governor Baldacci said."I came to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage."
"The law guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine's civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government. The law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State." Governor Baldacci said.
"This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest and honest people on both sides of the question," continued Governor Baldacci.
"I did not come to my decision lightly or in haste. My responsibility as Governor is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing the legislation was the right thing to do."
The event marks the beginning of the NO on 1 Campaign's Get-Out-the-Vote program with thousands of volunteers all across the state contacting family, friends and neighbors to remind them to vote NO on Question 1.
Governor Baldacci recognized the tireless work of campaign volunteers, encouraging them to continue their efforts through November 3. He also recognized several area legislators present at the event and commended them on their thoughtful deliberations of the issue.
Although unable to attend the event, State Senator Chris Rector offered the following comments,
"I voted for the marriage equality bill because it was clear that my constituents supported it. I also cam fefe to believe that it was the right thing to do for the state of Maine. The law should treat all Mainers equally, it's that simple. I hope the law the Legislature passed is upheld on Nov 3rd."Ray and Connie Winship, retired teachers who live in Fairfield and currently co-chair the Waterville Universalist Unitarian Church Welcoming Congregation Program m said their commitment to equality began in 1993.
"We've been speaking out all these years and will continue to speak out because we want Maine people to know that discrimination happens and we want them to know how much it hurts the victims and their families," said Ray Winship."Let's prove, once and for all, that Maine won't discriminate," added Connie Winship.
Bev and Sue Uhlenhake, who have a one-year-old son, are disheartened by the challenge to the marriage equality law. Both women grew up believing that marriage is the foundation of a family and want that strong foundation for their own family. She believes that the vote is all about children.
"This vote IS about my child. Marriage equality will absolutely affect him. He deserves the right to have parents who are more than legal strangers. He deserves married parents, and that's what I'm asking my fellow citizens of Maine to make happen today. It is now time to say NO. Say NO to inequality. Say NO to discrimination. Say NO to Question 1," said Bev Uhlenhake.According to NO on 1 Campaign manager Jesse Connolly, the Get-Out-the-Vote effort over the next seven days will involve thousands of volunteers across the state who will talk with friends and neighbors, staff phone bank operations, and knock on doors reminding supporters to vote NO on 1 for equality and fairness for all Maine families.
"The key to winning this election is getting our supporters out to vote. This is a true grassroots effort and we continue to be overwhelmed by the level of support and energy," said Connolly."Mainers have dug deep, whether that's manning extra nights at our phone banks, double shifts knocking on doors, or writing another check."
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