So it’s kind of shameful to admit, but in the world we live in, politics decides a lot of how you act. And knowing that the [2009 New York marriage equality] bill wasn’t going to pass because the other side didn’t have enough votes meant that you don’t put yourself out there politically for a bill that is going to fail, when your conservatives and your right-wings will work against you in the next election.
…the Republican conference was trying to do everything it could to get back in the majority, which as everyone knows is what happened…
I went out, and as I sat there I knew I was voting against what I believed. I knew I was voting against what was in my heart. I knew I was voting against what I thought was right not just for me, not only for New York, but for America.
It was very, very hard for me…
I did promise myself I would never vote “no” again, no matter what the circumstances were.
– Republican New York State Senator James S. Alesi explaining to The New York Times why he voted against marriage equality in 2009 and yet helped pass marriage equality in 2010.
devilsadvocate
an honest republican
I’ve just seen it all.
the crustybastard
If your own party will attack you for voting the right way, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your party membership.
Michael
Maybe its just me but id never be a part of any group that would TURN on me for having different beliefs opinions or ideals then they have.Stick to your beliefs otherwise you just look cowardly if its what your heart and mind wants and believes then stick to it have some integrity and self respect for gods sakes.
kylew
@Michael: I agree completely Michael, but isn’t compliance with party policy part of what makes you a member of one party or another?
In Britain there was just a very important vote on whether or not the British people should be offered the opportunity to vote about our continued membership of Europe. The ruling party impose a triple whip, which apparently means that if you go against the party line (that the public should not be consulted) you must resign any government jobs you hold.
Even against that level of intimidation and coercion, I was heartened to see that 81 conservatives DID vote against the party!
mike kilpatrick
Yea, until somebody gave me a buttload of money and political cover to do it. Fuck you pal.
randy
This is why it’s important to take votes on these matters, even if we vote. It forces even our opposition to go on record, and in this case, it actually helped us move it along.
randy
This is why it’s important to take votes on these matters, even if we lose. It forces even our opposition to go on record, and in this case, it actually helped us move it along.